Pay-by-Minute Coffee Shops Are Catching On in Europe

If you’ve ever sat in a café, enjoying the atmosphere and working remotely, only to feel guilty about the idle time ticking away or the pressure to order more just to justify your table, you’re not alone. Across Europe, a growing number of cafés are flipping the traditional pay-per-drink model on its head—by charging customers for time spent, not drinks consumed.

The quick answer? In London’s Shoreditch district, a Russian-born café called Ziferblat charges just 3 pence (about 30 cents) per minute. You can drink as much espresso as you like, munch on free cookies and snacks, and use the space as long as you pay for the minutes you occupy.

What Is a Pay-by-Minute Café?

A pay-by-minute café is exactly what it sounds like: you pay for the amount of time you spend in the space, not for individual food or drink items. The concept originated in Russia under the brand Ziferblat, which means “clock face” in German, and has since spread across Europe. At these cafés, the coffee, tea, and often light bites are complimentary. What you’re really paying for is the comfort of the space, the amenities, and the freedom to stay as long as you like—within reason.

How Ziferblat Works in London

Ziferblat arrived in London’s trendy Shoreditch neighbourhood with a very simple pricing model: 3 pence per minute. That adds up to £1.80 (about $2.30 USD) per hour. When you enter, you pick up a clock, note the start time, and return it upon leaving. During your stay, the café provides free access to an espresso machine, a range of self-serve snacks—including cookies—and other basic refreshments. You’re also welcome to bring your own food.

The interior is deliberately eclectic, with mismatched furniture and even a piano available for customer use—though possibly a risk to nearby conversations. According to the café’s website, “Each Ziferblat customer is like a micro-tenant of the space, responsible for it and able to influence the life within it.”

Other Time-Based Cafés in Europe

Ziferblat is not alone. Paris hosts an “AntiCafé” that charges either €3 or €4 per hour (about $3.30 or $4.40), offering drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, and the option to bring your own food. Back in 2013, Germany’s Slow Time Café in Wiesbaden introduced a similar concept. All of these venues follow the same basic formula: time is the product, and everything else is included or optional.

This trend began in Moscow, where the number of so-called “anti-cafés” has been steadily growing. These spaces cater especially to remote workers, freelancers, students, and anyone who wants a comfortable environment without the pressure to over-consume.

Why People Like Pay-by-Time Cafés

For many, the appeal is obvious. You don’t have to keep ordering to validate your seat. You can work, read, or relax without watching the clock—or your wallet. The pricing feels transparent and predictable. Plus, the social and creative environment, often enhanced by free amenities, encourages longer stays in a way that traditional cafés sometimes discourage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ziferblat charge customers?

Ziferblat charges 3 pence per minute, equivalent to about 30 cents. Customers take a clock when they arrive, note the time, and return it when leaving. This pay-by-minute model applies regardless of how much coffee or food you consume.

What is included for the time fee at Ziferblat?

The time fee includes access to an espresso machine, free self-serve snacks such as cookies, and the use of the café space. You can bring your own food, and there’s no pressure to buy additional items.

Are there other pay-by-minute cafés in Europe?

Yes. Paris has an AntiCafé that charges €3 or €4 per hour (about $3.30 to $4.40), and Germany’s Slow Time Café has operated since 2013 with a similar time-based model. All offer drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi as part of the included experience.

Where is the London Ziferblat located?

The London Ziferblat branch is located in the Shoreditch district, a well-known area for creative businesses, startups, and independent cafés.

What’s the idea behind time-based pricing in cafés?

Time-based pricing aims to remove the pressure of over-ordering and lets customers pay for the space and time they actually use, creating a more relaxed and flexible café experience geared toward remote work and socialising.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffees for Long Cafés Sits

For extended stays in pay-by-minute cafés, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for its bright citrus and floral notes, ideal for sipping slowly. The Brazil Queen Manor offers nutty and chocolatey layers that pair perfectly with light snacks. For something richer, the PWN Golden Mandheling delivers a full-bodied, syrupy cup with low acidity—great for focus. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.