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A woman enjoying a drink in the RCM cafe A woman enjoying a drink in the RCM cafe

What's on / Café

Café

Visiting the RCM

A relaxing space for a light bite

Our café, The Carolean, serves barista-style coffees, sandwiches, snacks and hot food in spectacular surroundings. Enjoy your refreshments inside or out, with access to our brand new 1851 Courtyard and accompanied by the sounds of music across the College. 

Healthy food options are available, including a salad bar with locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

Situated on the ground floor in the new Cotes-Burgan Atrium, our café is fully accessible.

Opening hours

Café

  • Monday–Friday: 8.30am–4.30pm
  • Saturday: 8.30am–4.30pm (term time only)

Summer vacation opening hours (Mon 7 July - Fri 12 Sept)

  • Monday–Friday: 9am–3pm

Term time opening hours resume on Mon 15 Sept 2025

Last issues and returns are 15 minutes before closing time.

Please note that the library will be closed on Wed 20 Aug and Thu 21 Aug.

Our café bar on the ground floor opens from 5pm for most mid-week concerts in the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall, Britten Theatre and Performance Hall. The bar serves a range of wine and bottled beverages in addition to barista-style coffees, sandwiches and snacks.

Advanced notice of closure

The Royal College of Music will be closed for maintenance on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 August and will reopen to the public on Friday 22 August, as usual. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Find us

The Royal College of Music is one of London's most vibrant musical centres. Located in South Kensington – an important cultural quarter – we are within easy reach of local museums, parks and other attractions, as well as dining options and transport links. 

We are delighted to welcome music lovers, tourists and prospective students throughout the year. 

Getting to the RCM