The V&A Cafe — Restaurant in London

A lovely setting in the middle of the museum, but that's about where the positives stop. The cafe itself is designed so that people can queue and be served on two sides. When we went only one side was open, so there was a massive queue. When I was finally served, I placed my order and paid. I had asked for four scones and they were eventually plonked on the counter in front of me. I had to ask for jam, but was told that they didn't have any. It would have been nice to be told that as I placed my order and before I paid. How can you serve a scone with only butter and cream?! And at the grotesquely inflated price of £4.50 each! The scone was supposed to be Earl Grey flavoured, but I suspect you would have needed a rather sophisticated scientific test to detect trace elements of Earl Grey in it! Rather inconveniently the trays are at the very far end of the counter, so you then have to leave the queue, get a tray and then come back to collect your order. There was another massive wait for our coffee. Each of our orders came at approx 5 min intervals so one of our party had finished their drink by the time the rest were made. Oh and its pretty much a free-for-all at the coffee end of the counter - they just call out a coffee and you take it if it sounds like one you've ordered. There's no attempt to deliver all elements of an order together or even to check what you've ordered and whether you've paid. The website says if you're struggling to find a table, one of the cafe managers can help (more than one manager on duty?!) Don't bother - there didn't appear to be any managers in sight, the staff behind the counter would not have been able to leave, and I'm not sure where they'd magic extra seating...

Wonderful looking place but if you're gluten free or have other food intolerances or allergies, steer clear. Ten years after I first asked whether they had any gluten free options available, I was met with the same panicky response and the same woefully inadequate answers. This time they even had an 'allergy champion' who told me that only the soup was gluten free. When I asked about the salads, they said oh yeah of course also the salads. What about the meat? Oh of course, the meat too, that goes without saying. I almost expected John Cleese to walk through the door. I was even told that some dishes weren't gluten free because they had milk in them! At the other counter, another lady told me that the fish was GF although it was served in a bread crust! To cut a long story short, zero progress in 10+ years and confusion and incompetence are still very much on the menu. If I may humbly offer some advice, you have thousands of visitors every day quite a few of whom have issues with gluten and other allergens. Please add some dishes to your menu that are naturally gluten free (soups, fish, meat, veg) and train your staff better. I would expect far far better from the café in one of the most renowned museums in the world. On the plus side, the decor as you probably know is lovely, a nice memory to hold onto as you stick your head down the loo shortly after eating there or worst still, for those who take the advice on faith without being a pain in the backside dad like me who asks and asks again and end up having an allergic reaction, as you lie on the floor...

Have you heard of the quiet and elegant V&A Members' Room?

Like a hidden gem, this special space is reserved exclusively for V&A members and their guests.

I recently visited the Cartier exhibition and spent a relaxing moment in the Members' Room with a warm cappuccino.

No matter how often you go, the calm and sophisticated atmosphere is always a pleasure — a perfect place to unwind peacefully or enjoy thoughtful conversation.

The Members’ Room, designed by architect Carmody Groarke, beautifully blends Victorian heritage with modern design. It’s an ideal spot to rest, read, or gather your thoughts after exploring the galleries.

Thanks to carefully crafted coffee by baristas, premium teas, seasonal dishes, and delicious pastries, any tiredness from your museum visit simply melts away here. There are also light lunch options and vegetarian-friendly dishes to suit every taste.

The room generally follows the museum’s opening hours, though I recommend checking the official V&A website for the most up-to-date information. To enter, just present your membership card at the entrance on the upper floor above the main café.

Whether you're visiting alone, meeting a friend, or seeking a quiet space after taking in world-class art and design, the V&A Members’ Room offers a peaceful and inspiring retreat in the heart of London.

💡 And most importantly —

You must register for V&A membership before your visit.

Once you're a member, you’ll be free to enjoy this warm and welcoming space...