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Imperial College Library Cafe in London

Discover Imperial College Library Cafe in South Kensington, London: casual cafe fare, great tea, coffee, affordable prices, and convenient hours.

3.5 98 reviews £1–10 Cafe American · Southern

7 Imperial College Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom

FoodPlacee Passport United Kingdom · London · 76887
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Imperial College Library Cafe

London, United Kingdom

Vegetables Iced Coffee Orange Cake Cappuccino
Rating★ 3.5 / 5
Price£1–10
CategoryCafe
Today 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Located inside the library of Imperial College London, this cafe offers simple counter service featuring familiar cafe fare and warm beverages in a casual setting. The Imperial College Library Cafe provides a welcoming spot for students, staff, and visitors to enjoy affordable meals and refreshments without leaving the campus atmosphere.

The menu highlights a variety of coffee options alongside light breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert choices. Known for its great tea selection and reasonable prices ranging between £1–10, it draws groups looking for a relaxed environment to socialize or catch up on work near South Kensington.

Gallery

Photos from Imperial College Library Cafe

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

This cozy cafe inside Imperial College attracts visitors looking for simple yet satisfying meals and warm beverages in a casual setting.

Great Tea Selection

Enjoy a wide variety of quality teas that perfectly complement light bites and desserts.

Casual Group Dining

The relaxed atmosphere welcomes groups, whether catching up or studying together.

Onsite & Takeout Service

Options available for quick takeout or sit-down dining to suit busy campus schedules.

Accessible for Everyone

Features include wheelchair accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating to ensure comfort for all guests.

Affordable Prices

Menu items range from £1 to £10, offering good value for students and visitors alike.

Extended Opening Hours

Open early morning until late evening during weekdays, providing convenient timing for different schedules.

Popular Dishes

Favorites include breakfast burritos, iced coffee, caramel shortbread, and fresh vegetables.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Perfect for grabbing a warm coffee or a light meal during study breaks or casual meetups near the Imperial College campus.

A bright and airy environment complements the casual vibe, making it ideal for both focused work sessions and social gatherings. With a variety of popular dishes like cappuccino, iced coffee, and orange cake, there’s something for everyone looking to recharge without straying far from South Kensington. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Morning Coffee Boost

Start the day with a fresh cappuccino or tea selection paired with a breakfast burrito or orange cake to fuel morning productivity.

Group Study Break

Gather with friends or classmates to relax over iced coffee and caramel shortbread in a casual, wheelchair accessible space.

Quick Takeout

Opt for takeaway if time is tight, with affordable options like grape leaves and vegetable dishes ready to go.

Light Lunch Spot

Choose from a variety of light lunches such as turkey salad or chicken shawarma wrap in a serene atmosphere to recharge mid-day.

Evening Chillout

Open late on most weekdays, it’s a convenient place to unwind with friends after lectures or museum visits nearby.

Best for

Great for Coffee Group Friendly Breakfast & Brunch Takeout Available Casual Atmosphere Wheelchair Accessible Reasonable Prices

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

BT
Bunga Tiasyaira 3 week ago

"Only 2 things worth getting here: 1. Chicken shwarma wrap 2. Turkey Salad Healthy high protein option on campus. Idk what else is worth it bcs nothing else rlly seems worth it for the price… but i literally order the salad and shwarma wrap multiple times!!"

J
J 3 week ago

"Popped in after reading another review mentioning the cafe is open to visitors. Very reasonably priced options here, and friendly staff. I picked elements for an English breakfast, and it totalled in around about £5. Quality of the food was reasonable, although their drinks machine is stupidly over-technical (requiring Google pay or Apple pay, which first takes a deposit, then refunds based on what you select - absurd system)."

ST
Shaieb Tanweer 1 month ago

"Spacious, bright and airy. Dont need to be a student to use cafe or toilets. Reasonable coffee. Let me bring my bike inside. Prices have gone since I was a student though"

TG
Theo Gardner 1 month ago

"One of the finest establishments i have ever had the pleasure of dining in. I struggle to name a restaurant in London thats anywhere near the level found at the Imperial college cafe at this current time, they deserve all the hype. Table service is impeccable and their jacket potatoes are to die for. Just give them their michalin star already, its about time."

NU
Nnenna Umelloh 2 month ago

"I came here to get some work done in a quiet calm environment. This cafe is great for that. You can meet up with your friends to have a chat or spread out and knock out some major assignments. The area is also really peaceful as well so you can get in the zone. There are plenty of outlets too to charge your devices."

KM
Katie Moest 2 month ago

"After a day at the nearby museums, we stopped into this popular cafe to sit for a bit and get some refreshments. Definitely geared to students, but enjoyable nonetheless. Very busy in the afternoon/evening, but fun people watching."

AZ
Ashley Zee 2 month ago

"Cheap eats is how I would describe the Café. Proper meals can be cooked but a little more expensive (rarely over £5) Small selection of food, but to be expected as is run for the students. Student cards will enable reductions."

JW
Jo Wee 3 month ago

"Good food for the price you're paying! Try out the breakfast if you are a breakfast person, they have a range of breakfast stuff you can choose from and it's very affordable. Portion is always huge for lunch too :)"

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

The cafe’s hours accommodate early risers as well as those seeking an afternoon break or evening refreshment.

Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Weekend Hours: Open from 10:00 AM, closes early Sunday at 4:00 PM Afternoons often busy; plan accordingly for a seat Ideal for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert stops

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Imperial College Library Cafe in London .

Address 7 Imperial College Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
Phone +44 20 7589 5111
Area London
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about Imperial College Library Cafe including hours, menu, and accessibility features.

The cafe is open Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday until 9:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Hours may change, so it’s best to check before visiting.

Both dine-in and takeout services are available. However, delivery is not offered at this location.

The cafe provides wheelchair accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patrons.

Expect familiar cafe fare with coffee and warm beverages, as well as breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert items like cappuccinos, iced coffees, and cakes. Popular dishes include vegetable options and breakfast burritos.

Credit cards are accepted. Note that the cafe uses a digital payment system for drinks, which may require contactless payment apps like Google Pay or Apple Pay.

The cafe caters well to groups but does not accept reservations. Arriving early may help secure a spot during busy hours.

A great tea selection is a highlight, along with popular dishes such as chicken shawarma wraps, turkey salad, orange cake, and caramel shortbread.

For owners

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.