I have a soft spot for the Royal Academy. Not only is it one of London’s finest art galleries, but The Royal Academy entirely funded by the revenues they make and by donations. No money from the taxpayer – unless he or she chooses (like me) to be a friend. Originally I bought a friends pass for my mother, a real art lover. When she visited London I’d go along with her to whatever exhibition happened to be on at the time (free for friends and a +1) and then we’d sit and have a cup of tea and piece of fruit cake in the friends’ room. When Mum became too ill to visit herself, I made her a promise that I’d transfer the friends membership to myself and would continue to go. And, a few years after she died, I’m still a member, I still visit regularly with that strange loyalty that comes from what had, for me, become a family tradition.
The venue for Friends of the Royal Academy, at the side of the RA. There's quite a lot here and it really makes membership seem like a great deal, on top of free access to their exhibitions. Have just popped in for coffee so far but in addition to the sort of cafe area from before the recent refurbishment there's a new cocktail bar and a restaurant, which both look really swanky. Even a small garden. This really beats any of the other London museums' members room offerings hands down.
This has a lovely vibe. RA membership till 4pm then open to the puplic. Prices are high but outside terrace and a variety of rooms makes this a hidden secret.
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