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.
Frequently asked questions
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 online form. 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].
Spaces in The Coffee House

Library
Over 6,000 books and journals. From philosophy to management, design to politics, and books from our latest event speakers you can always find a read to inspire. The RSA Library is open to all Fellows, including a freepost lending service.
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.

RSA House Venue Hire
An inspiring venue for any occasion.

Join our community
Learn more about Fellowship. We value all who champion curiosity, creativity and courage to inspire better ways of thinking, acting and delivering change.

RSA events
Explore inspiring ideas at the RSA.
What's on
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Coaching and mindfulness at RSA Coffeehouse
Fellowship Event / Coffee House
The Coffeehouse, RSA House
As part of the Fellows Festival, Fellows are invited to attend some informal reflective sessions in the RSA Coffeehouse throughout early June. Join our Fellow-led Coaching and Mindful Living Networks.
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Design for Life: unlocking the potential of cities
Fellowship Event / Coffee House / Online
The Coffee House (RSA House) and Online via Zoom
Amy Gandon (Head of Policy and Participation) and Tom Stratton (Chief of Staff) will introduce the aims and activities of the RSA-led UK Urban Futures Commission, an ambitious enquiry to unlock the potential of the UK’s cities.
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Design for Life: business capabilities for a regenerative economy
Fellowship Event / Coffee House / Online
The Coffee House (RSA House) and Online via Zoom
Roberta Iley (Head of Regenerative Design) introduces the Design for Life capabilities enquiry: what do we need to transition and contribute to a regenerative economy? Guest speaker Sarah Gillard FRSA will also share her experience supporting businesses to become truly purpose-led.