Plan your visit to the Keeper's House
Established 150 years ago as a residence for the Academy’s Keeper, today the Keeper’s House is a welcoming destination at the heart of the RA for members and their guests.
Welcome to the Keeper's House
- All members, including Friends, are welcome on the main floor at any time and downstairs until 4pm.
- Bar & Garden Members enjoy evening hours access downstairs.
- House Members can visit all floors anytime.
Main Floor
The Sir Hugh Casson Room offers a range of freshly baked pastries, hot drinks and light snacks.
A space for Friends, all Members and up to three guests. No reservations. Menu subject to availability. Open to the public after 4pm.
The Belle Shenkman Room is a cosier, quieter lounge space, just off the Sir Hugh Casson Room, with pleasing views of the garden.
Enjoy seasonal selling displays of artwork by Royal Academicians and invited artists.
Downstairs
The Shenkman Bar is a hidden cocktail bar with extended evening hours. Its garden is a green oasis in the heart of Mayfair.
No reservations. Bar & Garden and House Members can visit anytime, Friends can visit until 4pm. Members can bring up to three guests.
Enjoy a gastrobar menu, offering hearty dishes accompanied by cocktails, craft beers and wines.
Food is served 12–2.30pm & 5.30–8.30pm.
Don't miss the Shenkman Bar happy hour with 2-for-1 on selected drinks 6pm–7pm, Wednesdays–Saturdays.
House and Bar & Garden members enjoy 25% off the full menu.
Designed to support our creative community, the Reading Room is a space to catch up on emails, hold quiet meetings or relax with a coffee.
Our flexible Green Room studio is bookable by members for workshops and group events. Email members@royalacademy.org.uk to make a booking.
Upstairs
This exclusive club room, a favourite haunt of Royal Academicians, is a haven where House Members can meet to share drinks, conversation and food.
Reservations recommended. House Members and up to three guests can visit anytime.
The Academicians’ Room menu offers seasonally changing dishes, sharing platters and club favourites accompanied by a selection of hot drinks, champagnes, wines, beers and spirits.
Food is served 12-2.30pm & 5.30-8.30pm.
House Members can bring up to three guests to the Keeper’s House. For the best experience, book a table in advance.
House Members can enjoy afternoon tea in the Academicians' Room on weekends, 2:30pm – 5:30pm.
Art at the Keeper's House
Discover our ever-evolving collection of artworks throughout the Keeper’s House.
Start your collection with unique and limited edition works by Royal Academicians and contemporary artists.
Private hire
The Keeper’s House is available for various private hire events whether it be a breakfast before 10am or drinks and canapés in the evening.
For more details about private hire, please email entertaining@royalacademy.org.uk