Now is the winter of our discontent… ok so I’m no actor, but that doesn’t stop me from visiting the café at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). RADA is the world famous school for all things acting and theatre and has produced many well-known actors including Kenneth Branagh and Alan Rickman. Lit by theatrical lighting from the ceiling, the walls adorned with photos of past students, this is one of the few places in the neighbourhood to get a decent coffee. The current students and also academics from the nearby universities habitually gather around the glass-topped tables, which show off RADA related newspaper clippings.

Sounds of popular music fly around above your head whilst the actors discuss all things thespian. Others sit sipping coffee, nose in book. Intellectual conversations relating to current research completes the aural cocktail. Within this buzz the atmosphere is laidback, comfortable, and it’s difficult to feel rushed.

As well as coffees and teas they have a reasonable menu of food: sandwiches, soups, salads and cakes. They often have theatre-style lunch served here too. Prices are acceptable; an espresso will cost you £1.60, whilst soup and sandwiches are either side of £3 respectively.

So I sit back and ponder how life could have been different, I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody… Sorry.

5 / 5

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