The Coffee House & library

Coffee, food and connections. 

As well as being a place to eat and drink, The Coffee House is also place to work, collaborate and meet RSA Fellows.

Displays showcasing innovative designs, change projects, and our history make the coffeehouse an inspiring place to collaborate. Use our interactive meeting spaces, small events venue, and the RSA library. Or just join us for delicious food and drinks.

Hot drinks, softs drinks, snacks and sandwiches are available. Please note: we are no longer able to accept cash payments but accept all credit/debit card payments.

Opening hours

The Coffee House is open 5 days a week (Monday – Friday), 8:30am – 5pm.

Please note: Due to renovation works, the Coffee House will be closed for three weeks from Monday 14 August, reopening on Monday 4 September.

The Coffee House: temporary closure

We are delighted to announce that in August 2023, The Coffee House will undergo a refresh and redecoration with upgraded furniture and service counter, an order-to-table app, improved audio quality on The Steps and a delicious, healthier and more sustainable menu.

When we reopen in September, a new programme of participatory activities and events will be available for Fellows and guests to enjoy.

Due to the works, the Coffee House and working spaces will be closed for three weeks from Monday 14 August. All areas will reopen on Monday 4 September. Limited spaces on the ground floor will still be available as working areas if you wish to visit us.

If you have any queries, email [email protected]. We're very excited to share what we have been working on.

Can I book/reserve a table?

We do not offer table reservations in The Coffee House. There are plenty of places to sit across Levels -1 (where The Coffee House is situated), -2 and the Ground Floor, as well as dedicated meetings spaces that you can book in advance (more information further below).

Can I bring my own food and drink into RSA House?

We have a delicious range of food and drinks available to purchase at RSA House. As we are a registered charity, the purchase of your food and drinks from The Coffee House directly supports our work and charitable mission as a social change organisation. We therefore do not permit externally purchased food and drink to be consumed at RSA House.

Do I need to be an RSA Fellow to visit?

The Coffee House and other public areas of RSA House are open to the public and not restricted to RSA Fellows. All visitors who aren’t Fellows will simply be asked to sign in at Reception on arrival.

Are there spaces to work in RSA House?

There are numerous spaces where you can bring your laptop and work within RSA House on the ground floor and lower levels, including in The Coffee House. When The Coffee House is busy, the tables in this area should be prioritised for those consuming food and drink.

Can I hold a meeting in RSA House?

There are public areas in which you can hold small informal meetings, though please be respectful of others using the same space.

If you intend to have a larger meeting, consider booking one of our dedicated meeting spaces in advance:

• You can request to book either the Dame Caroline Haslett Collaboration Room or The Steps for your meeting or event, free of charge, for up to three hours within The Coffee House’s opening hours. Please do so via this link. Please note that due to the number of bookings received, it may take up to a week for us to respond to your request.
• RSA House also has a selection of private meeting rooms available to hire for a half day, full day or evening, including the Long Gallery and Dr Cross Room. To find out more, please contact our Venue Sales Team at [email protected].

RSA Library update

The library is open for Fellows and visitors to RSA House.

We are able to issue loans by post and books can be returned using our freepost service.

You can renew your books online by logging in to your library account via the library portal.

Library reservations and requests can be processed either by logging in to your library account via the library portal, or by email at [email protected].

Email [email protected] if you need help logging in or with any other questions.