An Unexpected Sanctuary: First Impressions of the Café in the Crypt
The Approach: A Study in Contrasts
Trafalgar Square is a symphony of urban chaos. It is a swirling vortex of red double-decker buses, camera-wielding tourists, cooing pigeons, and the constant hum of a city that never truly rests.
To stand in its centre is to be at the very heart of London’s relentless energy.
Yet, tucked away on its northeastern corner, at the base of the grand St Martin-in-the-Fields church, lies a modern glass pavilion—a discreet, unassuming portal promising an escape.
This entrance marks the beginning of a journey not just to a café, but to an entirely different realm, a descent from the frenetic present into the quietude of the past.
The Descent: Journey into History
The transition is both physical and psychological. Whether you take the spiral staircase or the spacious, modern lift, the act of going underground is a deliberate departure from the “hustle and bustle of ground level”.
With each step down, the sounds of the city recede, replaced by a hushed reverence. This physical descent acts as a powerful mental reset; it is a journey into a space that encourages a slower, more contemplative state of mind, a stark contrast to the fast-paced world left behind at street level.
First Sensory Impressions: The Atmosphere of the Crypt
Emerging into the crypt is a moment of genuine awe. The first thing that strikes you is the architecture: a stunning expanse of “original brick-vaulted ceilings” and robust stone archways that speak of centuries of history.
The acoustics are surprisingly gentle; even when bustling with visitors, the space absorbs sound, allowing for easy conversation.
But it is the floor that truly captures the imagination. Beneath your feet lie the worn, inscribed surfaces of historic tombstones and memorial plaques, the final resting places of Londoners from centuries past.
There is a surreal, slightly uncanny feeling to dining amongst the departed, a unique atmosphere that blurs the line between “ever-so cosy and ever-so creepy”.
It is an oddity that, remarkably, soon feels normal, becoming part of the café’s unique charm.
The overall ambiance is profoundly “atmospheric”—a quiet, peaceful, and welcome “underground escape” from the city’s clamour, a true sanctuary in every sense of the word.
A Foundation of History: The Story Beneath the Stones
The café’s unique character is built upon a rich, multi-layered history that reflects the evolution of London itself. Its story begins not with coffee, but with the grand vision of its creator and its original, solemn purpose.
The Architect’s Vision: James Gibbs and St Martin-in-the-Fields
The magnificent church that stands above the crypt is the masterpiece of James Gibbs, one of the most distinguished architects of the 18th century.
Completed in 1726, his neoclassical design was a triumph, blending Italian Baroque grandeur with Palladian elegance to create a landmark building.
Its innovative combination of a classical temple portico with a traditional steeple was so influential that it became the prototype for countless Anglican churches across the British Empire, particularly in the American colonies, cementing its place in architectural history.
The Crypt’s First Life: A Fashionable Final Resting Place
Before it served food to the living, the crypt served as a final resting place for the dead.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, burial within a church crypt was considered a mark of high social distinction, and St Martin’s became a desirable and profitable location for interments.
The tombstones that now form the café floor are the tangible legacy of this era. Among the notables buried within the church and its grounds were figures who shaped London’s history, including the celebrated royal mistress Nell Gwyn, the pioneering scientist Robert Boyle, and the master furniture maker Thomas Chippendale.
Some of the beautifully carved monuments visible today were salvaged from the previous, pre-1721 church and moved into the crypt, preserving centuries of memorial art.
A Turning Point: From Burials to Barracks Canteen
The crypt’s purpose underwent a dramatic shift in response to major historical events.
As London grew, public health concerns led to legislation that forbade further city burials, ending the crypt’s role as a necropolis.
Its first great repurposing came in 1915, during the First World War. In an act of profound practical compassion, the church’s vicar, Dick Sheppard, had the crypt cleared of its remaining coffins to establish a canteen for soldiers returning from the front lines.
This pivotal moment transformed the crypt from a place of memory and mourning into a space of hospitality and service, setting a precedent that defines its mission to this day.
This evolution is a physical chronicle of the city’s changing needs—reflecting shifts in sanitation, the impact of global conflict, and the evolving social role of the church.
The Modern Era: Renewal and Repurposing
The final chapter in this transformation was the ambitious renewal project completed in 2008, which converted the old Victorian burial vaults into the modern, accessible café, shop, and cultural spaces that visitors enjoy today.
This act of architectural reimagining ensured that the historic space could continue to serve the London community in a new and vital way.
The Offering: Coffee, Cake, and Comforting Fare
The café’s menu and service style are perfectly attuned to its unique atmosphere, prioritizing warmth, comfort, and excellent value.
The Service Style: A Welcoming Cafeteria
The Café in the Crypt operates with a self-service cafeteria system, an efficient and relaxed format ideal for its diverse mix of tourists, concert-goers, and local office workers.
The approach is unpretentious and welcoming, with staff being friendly and readily offering assistance, such as carrying trays for those who need it.
The Daily Menu: Hearty, Homemade, and High-Value
The menu changes daily, focusing on freshly prepared dishes made from sustainably sourced ingredients where possible.
The offerings are rooted in traditional British comfort food, a culinary choice that harmonizes perfectly with the historic, sanctuary-like setting.
- Hot Food: Visitors can expect hearty classics like shepherd’s pie, rich meat pies, satisfying vegetarian casseroles, and daily homemade soups. On Fridays, a traditional fish and chips is a popular feature.
- Cold Food: A reliable selection of freshly made sandwiches and salads is available throughout the day.
- Value Proposition: One of the most consistently praised aspects is the exceptional value for money. In a prime Central London location where high prices are the norm, the café offers substantial meals at reasonable prices, with main courses typically ranging from £8–£16.
The Main Event: Coffee and Cake
For those seeking a simple respite, the coffee and cake selection is a major draw.
The café is lauded as one of the best spots for a quality coffee near Trafalgar Square, with a filter coffee priced at around £3.00. The cakes and desserts, however, are a true highlight, inspiring rave reviews.
We couldn’t resisit the chocolate cake but other offering include:
- Apple Crumble with Custard: This is the undisputed star. It is repeatedly described as a comforting, nostalgic, and perfectly executed classic, with one visitor calling it “the best I’ve ever tasted”.
- Scones and Puddings: The café is known for making a “mean scone,” served with the requisite jam and clotted cream. Other traditional puddings, such as the warm and decadent Bread and Butter Pudding, are also highly recommended.
- Other Treats: The selection extends to other tempting options, including pistachio cheesecake and a mixed berry crumble, ensuring there is a sweet treat to suit every taste.
A Touch of Luxury: The Afternoon Tea Experience
For a more formal occasion, the café also offers a bookable “Luxury Afternoon Tea”.
This experience provides table service in a private, reserved area of the crypt known as the Apse. It features elegant tiered cake stands, a selection of Teapigs teas, and pre-selected sandwiches, scones, and cakes, demonstrating the venue’s versatility in catering to everything from a quick, affordable lunch to a celebratory treat.
More Than a Meal: A Mission of Compassion
A visit to the Café in the Crypt offers more than just historical ambiance and comforting food; it is an opportunity to participate in a profound mission of social good. This commitment is not an afterthought but the very core of its identity.
The Social Contract: Every Pound Makes a Difference
The café operates as a social enterprise, a self-sustaining engine for the church’s charitable work.
Every single pound spent—whether on a cup of coffee or a full meal—directly supports the extensive outreach programs of St Martin-in-the-Fields.
This transforms a simple commercial transaction into a meaningful act of support, allowing visitors to contribute to a vital cause.
A Legacy of Service
This mission is deeply rooted in the church’s history. St Martin’s has long been a pioneer in social justice and humanitarian aid, from its groundbreaking work with homeless soldiers during World War I to its instrumental role in the founding of major international charities like Amnesty International and Shelter.
The Modern Mission: Ending Homelessness
Today, that legacy is carried on by the St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, which leverages the revenue from the café to fund a comprehensive strategy to end homelessness. This work is organized around three key pillars :
- Providing Funding: The charity provides emergency grants to individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness, helping them secure accommodation or avoid eviction. In a single recent year, 4,164 people received a grant to help them find a new home.
- Supporting Frontline Workers: Through its Frontline Network, the charity provides crucial training, resources, and support to the specialist workers across the UK who are directly engaged in helping people experiencing homelessness.
- Advocating for Change: The charity conducts research and annual surveys of frontline workers to gather authentic insights, using this data to influence public policy and advocate for more effective and compassionate solutions to homelessness.
A key partner in this work is the sister charity, The Connection at St Martin’s, a day centre located next to the church that provides practical help, counselling, and essential services to people sleeping rough in central London.
By patronizing the café, visitors are directly funding this life-changing work.
When Darkness Falls: The Crypt by Night
As daylight fades and the last of the daytime café visitors depart, the crypt undergoes a remarkable transformation. It sheds its identity as a bustling cafeteria and embraces a new life as an intimate, candlelit venue for its “Crypt Lates” events program.
The Transformation: From Café to Candlelit Club
The atmosphere in the evening becomes even more atmospheric and immersive. With a fully-stocked bar serving drinks and food options still available, the space evolves into one of London’s most unique cultural hotspots.
This strategic dual use of the space allows the church to connect with a different audience, building a wider community based on shared cultural interests.
In the daytime you see the signs. A stage ready for action in the middle.
The Sound of the Crypt: Live Jazz and More
The live jazz nights are a celebrated highlight of the evening schedule.
- Atmosphere: The historic setting provides a “wonderfully unique backdrop for a gig”. The brick vaults and tombstones, combined with intimate, candlelit tables, create an “underground’ atmosphere” reminiscent of a classic New York jazz den.
- Music: The program is of a high calibre, featuring leading artists from the worlds of jazz, funk, soul, and blues, and includes collaborations with prestigious events like the EFG London Jazz Festival.
Beyond Jazz: A Diverse Cultural Hub
The crypt’s cultural offerings are impressively diverse. The schedule also includes cabaret nights, performances of folk and country music, and even “legendary Silent Discos,” showcasing the venue’s remarkable versatility and its appeal to a broad spectrum of Londoners and visitors seeking an unforgettable night out.
Final Verdict & Visitor’s Guide
The Café in the Crypt is a rare and wonderful London treasure. It is far more than just a place to eat; it is a historical site, a thriving social enterprise, a vibrant cultural venue, and a peaceful sanctuary all rolled into one.
It is a destination where a simple coffee and cake break becomes an experience steeped in centuries of history, charged with a profound sense of purpose, and enveloped in a truly unique atmosphere.
For its ability to delight the senses, engage the mind, and warm the soul, it earns the highest recommendation. Do not miss the chance to discover this gem hidden in plain sight.
For another London Hidden Gem you should check out St Dunstan In The East – The Fairytale Garden or why not take a walk down Brick Lane.
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Café in the Crypt at a Glance 68563_9a5e01-90> |
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Location 68563_cb86a4-5b> |
St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JH 68563_df3086-d4> |
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Opening Hours 68563_60ae35-63> |
Daily, but hours vary. Check the official website for the most current times. (Example hours: Mon 11:00-19:00, Tue/Wed 11:00-17:00). Hot food is typically served 11:00-15:00. 68563_a735c4-01> |
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Service Style 68563_b3e77f-84> |
Self-service cafeteria for daytime meals; bar service during evening “Crypt Lates” events. 68563_2f15cc-93> |
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Price Range 68563_dc2a19-2b> |
Excellent value for Central London. Main courses £8–£16 ; Filter Coffee approx. £3.00. 68563_a272c6-da> |
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Accessibility 68563_7b2136-90> |
Fully accessible. Lift access is available from the church interior and the street-level glass pavilion. Accessible toilets are on-site. 68563_375171-6d> |
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Unique Features 68563_0f2a4c-e4> |
– Dine within an atmospheric 18th-century church crypt with original brick-vaulted ceilings. – The floor is paved with historic tombstones and memorial slabs. – All profits support the church’s charitable work to end homelessness. – Transforms into a candlelit live music and events venue by night. – Offers both affordable cafeteria fare and a bookable luxury afternoon tea. 68563_75305b-b0> |
If you are looking for more dining options in the London area then head down the underground to Chiswick and try Villa di Geggiano
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