These conversations provide a weekly opportunity to share inspiring ideas for change, to celebrate a social change project making an impact, or to share learning and expertise on how to make change.
Welcome to RSA House
We are open to everyone who shares our vision and values.
The House has been the intellectual and social home of some of the greatest thinkers and social activists of the past 260 years. Behind our doors today you will find one of the world’s leading public lecture series, extensive archives spanning two centuries, and stunning auditoriums and meeting rooms featuring cutting edge audio visual technology.
At the heart of it all is a space designed to foster the creative thinking and collaborative action needed to address the challenges of our time - an enlightenment coffeehouse called Rawthmells.
Come in and join the conversation. We hope you will leave with at least one new idea, have at least one stimulating conversation, and meet at least one new person.
Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 8.30 am - 9.00 pm
Please note, the Librarian is available on Tuesdays to Thursdays, between 9.30am – 5.30pm
What's on at RAwthmells
Join us for 'a moving film about music, creativity, fandom & healing. It’s heartfelt and lovingly crafted, just like the art it celebrates'
This topic is one of the most contentious, controversial and somehow immovable in the art world. Whilst TV shows billionaires investing massively in a few hand-picked artworks, most living working artists are not even earning ...
participate in rawthmells' programme
Our programme is designed to encourage serendipity, inspiration, conversation and connection, to turn great ideas into practical action. There are three ways to share your ideas, projects and challenges in the coffeehouse.
Food and Drink
House caterers CH&Co are committed to maintaining an ethical and sustainable supply chain and being at the forefront of all new ethical developments and requirements in the industry. Our high quality ingredients are sourced and produced in line with best ethical practices, and our waste cooking oils are collected and converted into bio fuels. Working closely with the Marine Conservation Society, we have removed species and associated fishing methods that are the least sustainable from our menus, and actively seek more sustainable sources for all of our seafood.
All Day Menu
From porridge and pancakes to seasonal soups and salads, there's something to fuel everyone's day. Vegan? Gluten free? No problem! Speak to a member of the team to find out what's available for you.
Evening menu
Platters and small plates to share can be enjoyed across both levels of Rawthmells - find yourself a cosy nook to enjoy H.Foreman's smoked salmon, Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar, Cannon & Cannon charcuterie and lots of other bits besides.
Drinks Menu
Enjoy a variety of wines, London-brewed beer, classic cocktails, spirits (alcoholic and not) with joyful abandon, because profits from the sale of food and drink help fund the RSA’s vital social change programmes.
Spaces in rawthmells
Rawthmells has been designed to facilitate collaboration and enable great ideas to be shared. Some of the spaces in the coffeehouse can be booked for free if you have a good idea worth sharing. Explore the rooms below for more information.
The Steps
The Steps, a mini-amphitheatre in the heart of the coffeehouse, can be booked by anyone with a social change idea worth sharing. Seating up to 30 people, you can also live broadcast via YouTube or host participatory online events via Zoom in this space.
The Collaboration Room
Designed to support collaborative work of all kinds, this is a free resource to facilitate your plans for social change. Also featuring displays from the RSA's Student Design Awards which challenge students and graduates to tackle pressing social, environmental and economic issues.
Dr Cross Room
The Dr Cross Room features rotating displays from the RSA's Royal Designers for Industry (RDI), the highest accolade for UK designers. The jet engine, Routemaster bus, iPhone, and Harry Potter film sets, among thousands of other things, have been created by them.
The Gerard Room
Changing displays in the Gerard Room, the first room as you enter the coffeehouse, place a spotlight on the innovative and interesting work of Fellows around the world. Find out more, or apply to display.
The Archive Room
The RSA Archive is maintained in three secure and environmentally controlled strong rooms which protect against atmospheric changes, fire and theft. Facsimiles displayed in this room tell stories from the long history of the organisation.
The Long Gallery
The Long Gallery features an 11 meter long mural telling the story of the RSA. It was created by Andrew Parks, the talented animator behind the RSA Animate series which has helped spread new ideas to a global audience in the millions.
The RSA Library
Books, Books, and more Books
The library in Rawthmells holds a contemporary collection of over 6,000 books and journals relevant to our work and history. Subject areas include social sciences, psychology and philosophy, management, technology, and art and design. We have an emphasis on material that relates to the RSA’s projects, research, and public events programme. The library offers a freepost lending service!
Story of the coffeehouse so far
The RSA was established in an enlightenment coffeehouse, named Rawthmells, in 1754 by a group of people with a shared vision for a better tomorrow. The enlightenment coffeehouses were shaped by those who frequented them, and Rawthmells is no different.
Almost 4,000 Fellows engaged with the question of how the new coffeehouse could contribute to the RSA's mission.
Follow us on instagram
@rsa_rawthmells
Where good ideas brew! Rawthmells, the RSA’s enlightenment coffeehouse, a natural home for anyone who wants to change the world #Rawthmells #jointheconversation
Contact us
If you have any questions, or if you are visiting Rawthmells and have any access requirements, please get in touch to let us know ahead of your arrival, so we can ensure the best possible visit:
For more access information, download the Rawthmells accessibility statement.
