Ruskin’s Café

The Cafe on Museum Street

This little café located on Museum Street is not only an adorable stop before heading to the British Library, it is also pretty close to my heart. It’s quiet despite its prime location – being not even a five-minute walk away from the museum – and the hot chocolate is quite delicious. We chose it for its quaint, quiet feel. We had passed by so many different places before finding this café, and were unable to settle on which place to stop in – this place looks too busy, this place looks too expensive. Then we came upon Ruskin’s Café. Everything, from its painted, handwritten logo, to its faded awning and patio setup called to us. We ignored the pub opposite, and chose a seat in the cafés corner window. There are cakes and quiches and sandwiches galore. Everything is handmade, and, strangely enough for a café next to the British Museum, affordable.

Though it is a shame for the café, one of its key selling features for me was how quiet and private it was. It felt like mine and my date’s own little world, and was incredibly romantic because of it. The pub across the street is lovely to look at, the street it is on is quiet in and of itself with few cars and not as many people as you’d expect.
Considering the extortionate prices at the cafés within museums, I wholly recommend venturing outside – not far, even – and having lunch here. It’s the perfect combination for a day out at the British Museum, and offers wonderful food both cheaper and in larger portions. Experiencing a city is discovering the bits that don’t feel like you’ve been corralled into, and Ruskin’s Café is just that, a discovery.

Cassandra Kosmayer

TripTide User