“I’ve Found The Coolest Hideaway In London & Now I’m Obsessed”
A day out in London is one of our favourite ways to reset, but if there is one thing we would skip, it is the endless queueing and the “where should we eat?” indecision that usually follows a gallery visit. The Royal Academy of Arts has just unveiled a sophisticated solution: a member-exclusive spot that bypasses the Piccadilly crowds entirely and gives Friends more of the picture when it comes to the RA.
In Partnership With The Royal Academy
We sent our Social Media Manager, Kitty, along to the newly opened Keeper’s House by José Pizarro, the RA’s members-only dining destination, to see if a Friends membership really is the ultimate London life hack. Here is the verdict.
The best bit about being a Friend
I usually just accept the crowds at the main entrance, but walking in as a Friend felt like having a backstage pass. No ticket stress, no “sold out” signs to dodge, just a straight path into the galleries and the sort of priority access that makes you feel like a regular, not a tourist.
I started with the Rose Wylie exhibition. Her work is so playful and unapologetic, I could have stayed for hours. Knowing I could pop back any time with my membership, unlimited free entry and a guest in tow, made the whole morning feel more spontaneous and a lot less “must squeeze it all into one visit”.
I started with the Rose Wylie exhibition. Her work is so playful and unapologetic, I could have stayed for hours.
Where I hid out between exhibitions
The RA has its share of hidden corners, but The Keeper’s House might be its best-kept secret. It is a 150-year-old home turned into a cosy, art-lined dining spot reserved exclusively for Friends and members, plus up to three of their guests, tucked right at the heart of the RA.
I popped into the Shenkman Bar for a quick glass of fizz to toast my ultra-cultured morning, then headed out into the garden. It’s just a few steps from Piccadilly, but it’s so quiet you could forget you were anywhere near Regent Street. Before I left, I took advantage of the 10% Friends discount in the RA Shop (dangerous). Rose Wylie prints, gorgeous new stationery, I regret nothing.
What I loved the most
I’ve always loved the way the RA balances its history with what’s new. You wander through these stately halls, then stumble into something wild and contemporary. And now, with the new Young Friends membership (for anyone 16–35), it makes total sense. Roughly the price of three exhibition tickets for a whole year of access, it’s the easiest way to feel plugged into the city’s culture without needing to plan weeks ahead.
It’s not just a gallery visit; it’s a date-night upgrade and a midweek reset all under one roof.
What I ate
The menu is curated by José Pizarro, so you know the tapas are going to be good. Often dubbed the “godfather of Spanish cooking in the UK,” Pizarro is the chef behind a string of acclaimed restaurants bringing authentic Iberian flair to London’s dining scene. With over 25 years in the industry, he’s celebrated for championing simple, high-quality ingredients and the convivial style of Spanish eating.
I settled into The Dining Room for a long lunch, and the pan con tomate and croquetas are a total must. The atmosphere is warm and elegant, making it easy for a quick bite to turn into a three-course affair. I loved being able to just stretch my legs, grab some incredible Spanish food, and then head back into the galleries.
The verdict
Joining as a Friend of the RA just makes London feel smoother. It turns an art day into something you actually look forward to midweek. Between the priority booking, the late-night tapas at the Shenkman Bar (they’re open till 9pm Wed–Sat), and being able to bring a guest for free, it’s one of those memberships that genuinely feels worth it. Because why battle the crowds when you can just slip in like you own the place?
Wwhy battle the crowds when you can just slip in like you own the place?
