Just over five years ago, the London museum world experienced an episode that highlights the importance these institutions place on the cafes and restaurants they host within their facilities. Tate Britain published a job advertisement that called coffee head, responsible for two managers and their various teams, including staff at the food and beverage establishments of the four Tate museums in the country, and even closely supervising the roasting process of the coffee served.

With less than a month to go until the 25th anniversary of the Tate Modern's opening on May 12, the institution is going through a difficult time. The symptoms are clear: a progressive loss of visitors over the past five years (COVID-19 undoubtedly played a role in the start of the decline), a budget deficit that has forced it to use reserves in 2025, staff cuts (40 layoffs since January), and ongoing talks with the government, on which the situation depends.