A local’s guide to the most beautiful church cafes in London, deconsecrated churches in the City of London, West and Central London for amazing cakes and views!
Anything pertaining to London’s history is particularly fascinating to me.
You may have noticed this when I shared with you some of the City of London’s secret churches, Roman ruins and other historical sites you can visit without having to spend a penny.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, London’s church cafes offer a unique blend of community, history and charm.
From Trafalgar Square to London Bridge, I thought I’d share with you some of the most beautiful.
Gothic ceilings, historic crypts, century-old tradition; that’s what you’ll experience in these coffee shops, which, in addition to beautiful views, offer some of the most peaceful moments in London.
London’s 7 Most Beautiful Church Cafes Off the Beaten Path
Some of the church cafes I’ve chosen to show you are still very well hidden gems, like Cafe Below at St Mary le Bow, tucked away in the City of London, or the Sherriff Centre in gorgeous West Hampstead.
Others, like the Cafe at the Crypt below Trafalgar Square (not too far from Waterstones or the National Gallery), are a little more famous, although mostly known by locals.
In any case, these spaces are more than just places to grab some coffee and cake – they’re symbols of London’s past, and proof that history and modernity can harmoniously coexist.
Best Church Cafes in London: The Wren, City of London
Hidden in the historic City of London, The Wren is housed in St Nicholas Cole Abbey, and one of the most beautiful church cafes you’ll be able to experience in London.
Named after Sir Christopher Wren, the architect behind St Paul’s Cathedral and the dozens of City of London churches redesigned and rebuilt after the Great Fire of London, The Wren offers delicious coffee and fresh pastries on the daily.
Soaring ceilings, tall windows and many seats to grab some coffee, read a good book or work for a bit…
The Wren is not only gorgeous, but a lively communal place only minutes from St Paul’s, the Millenium Bridge and the Tate Modern.
Read: Living in London: Things I Have Learned Over the Years
Beautiful Church Cafes in London: Host Cafe, St Mary Aldermary, City of London
Located close to the Wren, Host Cafe in St Mary Aldermary is another gorgeous example of Sir Christoper Wren’s post-Great Fire churches.
Rebuilt at the end of the 17th Century, St Mary Aldermary offers intricate stained glass windows, stunning carvings, vaulted ceilings and a friendly vibe.
The coffee at Host Cafe, especially the V60, is nothing if not perfect, and if you’re one to love cupcakes, brownies and other carrot cakes, it’s a place to visit absolutely.
For those who might be on an eternal quest to London’s best study cafes, Host Cafe offers this possibility with different fees depending on how long you’d like to stay with your books and laptop.
After soaking up the serene atmosphere, take a walk to the historic Fleet Street and Temple, with its secret courtyards and soothing vibes, or make your way to Leadenhall Market for some serious window shopping!
Read: The Most Beautiful Palaces and Castles in London
Best Church Cafes in London: Cafe in the Crypt, Trafalgar Square
Right off Trafalgar Square, the Cafe in the Crypt is located below the St Martin in the Fields Church, a masterpiece designed at the beginning of the 18th century by James Gibbs.
Not only can you have a relaxing moment with a coffee and a cake in this cozy, dim-lighted cafe, but the Cafe in the Crypt is also a unique place to have lunch, especially classic British fare.
The vaulted brick ceilings are nothing if not impressive, and if you’re interested in non touristy activities, why not catch a concert upstairs?
Check the schedule online or in the entrance, and once you’re done, visit the National Gallery to see masterpieces by Van Gogh and Monet, or go for some shopping in Covent Garden.
If you’d like to see more landmarks, though, walk down Whitehall for some pictures of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Or make your way to the Strand to catch views of gorgeous historical buildings.
Read: The Most Secret Neighborhoods in London
Beautiful Church Cafes in London: New Acre Cafe, Westminster Chapel
Nestled inside the stunning Westminster Chapel in Victoria, New Acre Cafe serves excellent flat whites and espressos, along with a menu featuring perfect lunch bites, from toasties to delicious soups.
Those into that Dark Academia vibe will very much enjoy the classic and Gothic revival styles of Westminster Chapel.
It provides a relaxing – and awe-inducing! – moment perfect if you’re visiting London in the fall or winter.
After your caffeine fix, discover St James’s Park and its secret Duck Island, walk around Victoria and spot Little Ben, or, if you want a change of scenery, make your way to Harrods and Knightsbridge for a great shopping moment!
Read: The Prettiest Streets in London
Best Church Cafes in London: Cafe Below, St Mary le Bow Church, City of London
St Mary le Bow is steeped in history; it’s one of the many churches rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, like St Mary Aldermary.
Tucked beneath this iconic church, Cafe Below occupies the atmospheric crypt (one of the many secret crypts London jealously hides!), which served as an air-raid shelter during WWII, and now makes for the perfect background for a laidback romantic date.
Whether you come for coffee or lunch, you’ll find fresh, seasonal, tasty drinks and food at Cafe Below.
We’re close to One New Change, a shopping center housing the likes of Mango and Oliver Bonas (one of the most British shops you’ll find in town!) – why not pop by the free rooftop for views of St Paul’s and the London skyline once you’re done at Cafe Below?
Read: The Most Secret Gardens in Central London
Beautiful Church Cafes in London: Sanctuary Cafe, Sherriff Centre, West Hampstead
Located inside St James’s Church in the posh area of West Hampstead, which I was lucky to call home for a few months while being an au pair, the Sherriff Centre is one of the city’s best hidden gems.
Under an incredible neo-Gothic roof, the Sherriff Centre houses a gift shop, a kids area, a post office, and, well, a coffee shop: the Sanctuary Cafe.
The high-vaulted ceiling and striking stained glass windows take you back in time as soon as you pass the threshold, and you’ll be able to enjoy there locally-sourced cakes, pastries, and fresh coffee.
After soaking up the friendly vibes, it’s time to explore beautiful West Hampstead.
Take a stroll along West End Lane and visit the gorgeous bookshops, head to Hampstead Heath for beautiful views over London, or make your way to Kilburn High Road for some shopping at Superdrug, TK Maxx and other charity shops.
Read: The Best Free Things to Do in Central London When It Rains
Best Church Cafes in London: Southwark Cathedral Cafe, London Bridge
If you’re exploring the London Bridge area, Bermondsey, or happen to be visiting Borough Market and its street food stalls, make sure you make some time for the Southwark Cathedral Cafe.
Nestled at the entrance of one of the oldest medieval churches in London, with roots dating back all the way to the 7th century, the cafe is run by Comptoir Gourmand, a ‘small, family run company based in Bermondsey’.
By visiting the Southwark Cathedral after coffee (one of my favorite things to do for free in London!), you’ll discover the cathedral is closely associated with William Shakespeare.
You will find two sculptures of the Bard there, one inside, and one in the peaceful churchyard facing Borough Market.
Once you’re done, if you’re still hungry, get a doughnut or a cinnamon bun from Bread Ahead Bakery and nibble on this sweet deliciousness while walking down Southbank.
You will find plenty of hidden gems along Southbank, too.
The Winchester Palace ruins, the Clink Prison, a William Shakespeare mural are only the start of the journey, only steps away from the Southwark Cathedral.
Keep walking down Southbank, and you’ll come across the Oxo Tower about 15 mns away.
The building houses Brand Academy, a stunning concept store filled with unique gifts, along with Wagumi, a Japanese shop showcasing crafts and ceramics, and even a rooftop terrace!
Read: The Best Things to Do in London for Art Lovers
London’s 7 Most Beautiful Church Cafes Off the Beaten Path
If I’ve always loved the likes of lesser-known, secret museums, stepping inside London’s church cafes also feels like stepping into a living museum, where history comes with a side of cake.
History unfolds over cups of coffee, and if you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, they’re places to visit absolutely.
Should you want to discover more of London’s secret spots, once you’re done enjoying a strong cup of joe, make your way to villages and mews streets for gorgeous views.
Or, if you’d like to go shopping, check out the guide I’ve written about the best vintage shopping spots in the city – it’s filled with my favorites.
Whether you’re spending just one day in London, 3 days or 10 days, there’s so much to do – hopefully, you’ll have found here stunning church cafes you can’t wait to visit!