Opening times

Roots Café is open Monday to Friday, from 8.00 - 16.00.
Breakfast: 8.00 - 10.30
Lunch: 11.45 - 14.30

Welcome to Café X, your new one-stop shop for hot lunches, grab-and-go snacks, healthy treats and - of course - fresh barista coffee right in the heart of the White City Professional Services Hub.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an idea in our competition to name Café X! We had so many great suggestions that it’s been a really difficult choice! 

However, we're pleased to announce our winning name was chosen by Ellie in the Property Division! We loved the name and her reasoning behind it:

"Roots evoke a strong connection to nature, sustainability, and growth. Roots symbolise the foundation of life, aligning with the University's emphasis on research, discovery, and intellectual growth.

It also reminds us of the link between nature and food, which resonate with a community increasingly conscious of environmental impact."

We had so many great ideas submitted, we still wanted to share our shortlist of our favourite submissions below:

BotanIQ Café

A play on "botanic" and "IQ", nod to the intelligent systems of plants and to Imperial’s scientific roots.

 

Goodall Café

After the incredible Dame Jane Goodall, the world's foremost primatologist and a champion of women in science and science communication. This name would tie in well with Imperial's priorities of leadership in science and supporting women in STEMB, as well as the desired 'nature' theme for the cafe.

 

Sylvan Café

The adjective sylvan refers to a shady, wooded area. The word suggests a peaceful, pleasant feeling, as though you were far away from the noise of modern life.

 

The Greenhouse Café

Our floor at mediaworks has this wonderful open space with light pouring down from the ceiling - much like a greenhouse - an image further invoked by the presence of so many plants. Greenhouses are scientific spaces where biology, botany, and environmental science come together. They represent experimentation and controlled study of plant life, which are key aspects of STEM research, especially in plant sciences and ecology.

 

The Verdant Lab/ Verdant Café

The dictionary describes Verdant as: ."...a place as verdant, you mean that it is covered with green grass, trees, and plants." Adding Lab, as direct nod to the scientific environment, we are reminded that we are part of a University.

 

Café Nectar

Nectar is the sweet liquid produced by flowers to attract pollinators - a vital part of ecosystems in biology. As a cafe name, it symbolises natural nourishment, richness and warmth. It's a space that draws people in, offering comfort, connection, and recharge in the middle of a busy day.

Quick Looks: How to compile your overnight oats jar

A quick-look video showing how to compile your overnight oats jar.