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Places to eat

There are plenty of delicious places to eat or enjoy a drink here in South Kensington - from cafes, bars, afternoon tea, cocktails bars, indoor picnic spots to a weekly Farmer's market.

Kensington Garden cafes

Daily
Kensington Gardens
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The Broadwalk Cafe and Playcafe serves a great range of pizza, salads, wraps and sweet treats as well as a children's menu.

Science Museum's Shake Bar

Daily
11 am - 4 pm
Science Museum
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Enjoy delicious made-to-order milkshakes or even design your own ice cream tubs with your favourite flavours and toppings at the much-loved Shake Bar (next to the entrance of Wonderlab).

Stein's Berlin Restaurant

Wed-Sat 12-11pm
Tues 12-9pm; Sun 12-8pm
Goethe-Institut
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Stein's Berlin Restaurant is a new and exciting addition to the well loved Stein's group of German restaurants. ​Their modern contemporary restaurant inside a Grade 2 listed building also features a fantastic terrace overlooking Princes Gardens. ​

the Design Kitchen

Daily
10am - 5pm
Design Museum
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In need of refreshment and relaxation? Designed by Matthew Williamson, this lounge-style space is the perfect spot to recharge and spend time with friends and family while enjoying a selection of tasty snacks and drinks or a dining experience for two.

Gazette Brasserie

Mon & Tue: 5pm – 10.30pm Wed to Sun: 10am – 10.30pm
Institut français
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Gazette Brasserie is the perfect venue for coffee meet-ups, quick lunches, pre-cinema drinks and nibbles or a cosy dinner at the Institut français in London.

The De Morgan Café at Leighton House

Wed-Mon
10am-5pm
Leighton House and Sambourne House
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A delicious, seasonal menu offers a wide range of sandwiches, soups and bakes (inc vegan and gluten friendly options) as well as hot and cold drinks. Products are locally sourced, benefitting the community, the customers and the environment.

Verdi Italian Kitchen

Royal Albert Hall
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Verdi Italian Kitchen is a relaxed, family-friendly restaurant offering delicious Italian favourites such as freshly baked pizza, handmade pasta, and classic desserts like tiramisu.

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

Daily
Winter 8 am - 4 pm; Summer 8 am - 8 pm
Hyde Park
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Serves a variety of hot dishes, including burgers, fish & chips and seasonal salads. A selection of fresh salads, sandwiches and cakes are available to take away and enjoy in the park. Vegetarian, vegan and dietary requirement options are available.

RCM: The Carolean

Mon - Fri; Sat during term time
8.30 am - 4.30pm
Royal College of Music
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The café serves barista-style coffees, sandwiches, snacks and hot food in spectacular surroundings. Enjoy your refreshments inside or out, with access to their new 1851 Courtyard, accompanied by the sounds of music across the College.

NHM: Cafes and restaurants

Daily
10 am - 5.30 pm
Natural History Museum
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Family friendly cafes and restaurant with tasty, freshly prepared food. Vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options are available.

Afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall

Varies
2-4.30pm
Royal Albert Hall
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The Royal Albert Hall has been observing the tradition of afternoon tea for over 100 years! Their menu features classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a whimsical mix of classically-inspired cakes as a nod to the legendary performances that take place the our stage.

John Madejski Garden & Café

Daily
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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Recharge and cool down in the heart of the V&A. A place for kids to paddle in the courtyard shallow pool or grab a drink while surrounded by summer planting and stunning Victorian architecture.

Serpentine Lido Café

Daily
8 am - 5 pm (varies monthly)
The Royal Parks
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Choose from a variety of hot and cold food options including a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Serves a selection of teas, specialty coffees and is licensed for alcohol.

Royal Albert Hall Café

Daily
9 am - 8 pm (varies)
Royal Albert Hall
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Pop into our Café Bar for freshly brewed coffee, sandwiches, pastries and light bites. A selection of cold drinks, barista-made coffees and specialty teas are available throughout the day, served alongside a range of wine, beer, cider and Champagne in the evening.

The Kensington: Town House

Daily
7 am - 9 pm
The Kensington
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Town House at The Kensington blends modern luxury with heritage and tradition to deliver a contemporary take on English cuisine. A home away from home, it’s the perfect space for breakfast, brunch, dinner or to while away an afternoon over a decadent afternoon tea.

Akira

Tue-Sat
Lunch 12 - 3 pm; Afternoon Tea 2.30 - 5 pm; Dinner 6 - 11 pm
Japan House London
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Located on the first floor of Japan House London. Akira presents an authentic Japanese dining experience based on the ‘trinity of cooking’ principles – food, tableware and presentation. Takeaway services offered.

Image credit: Historic Royal Palaces / Alex Rory Jacobs

The Orangery Restaurant

Daily
10am - 6pm
Kensington Palace
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After major conservation work, the 18th-century Orangery at Kensington Palace has reopened its doors. Visit the iconic restaurant in a stunning setting for an elegant lunch or an indulgent afternoon tea.

the Design Cafe

Design Museum
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In need of a coffee fix or quick snack before you visit our exhibitions? Pick your favourite items from the Design cafe.

The K Bar

Daily
3 pm - 11 pm / 12 am
The Kensington
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From artisan spirits and fine wines to innovative hand-crafted signature cocktails, The K Bar delivers an exceptional drinking experience, where every sip is a testament to the art of mixology and quality flavours

Image credit: Andy Stagg 2023

Café & Restaurant: Friends Of Ours at Serpentine North

Tuesday - Sunday
8.30am - 4.30pm
Serpentine
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Enjoy brunch, lunch, coffee & drinks at the café and restaurant at Serpentine North. Friends Of Ours offer creative seasonal menus, locally sourced produce and friendly, relaxed service.

Science Museum: Food and Drink

Daily
10 am - 5.30 pm
Science Museum
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The Science Museum has several cafes and picnic areas in the museum. Speak to a member of staff to find out which cafes are open.

Science Afternoon Tea

Available Thurs-Sun
12pm and 3pm
Science Museum
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Enjoy a luxury afternoon tea with a science-inspired twist.

The Garden Kitchen

Natural History Museum
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Just opened! Nestled within the recently transformed gardens, this large open-plan space allows you to enjoy seasonal food and drinks whilst soaking in the sights and sounds of nature.

The Lavery

Daily
South Kensington
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The Lavery is home to a restaurant, café and elegant events spaces located on South Kensington’s Cromwell Place. The kitchen is led by Yohei Furuhashi. Yohei’s menu highlights Mediterranean seasonality while incorporating influences and ingredients from the British Isles.