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Lesley Peterson is a Toronto-based blogger tripping on travel, art, culture, museums, cities and legendary landscapes. Catch her on Twitter as @culturetripper or contact her at lesley@culturetripper.com. All content by Lesley Peterson copyright © 2009 - Until the Present. All photos by Lesley Peterson except where other credit noted.
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Dining at London’s top churches
You won’t believe where they’re serving lunch in London these days.
Did you know that some of London’s most famous churches have on-site restaurants? Modern British cuisine comes with a side of atmosphere at:
CELLARIUM CAFE & TERRACE, WESTMINSTER ABBEY: A great discovery on my last visit to London was the Cellarium Cafe and Terrace at Westminster Abbey. Accessed through the Abbey’s Dean’s Yard, the restaurants revive the Benedictine order’s tradition of hospitality. The whitewashed Cafe occupies the monks’ 14th century storage vaults and is a cheery place for tea and scones. The Terrace is casual sleek, with indoor and outdoor seating and views of the Abbey’s old stones. From the right position, you can glimpse the Gothic towers. Menu items in the Terrace restaurant feature fresh best-of-Britain ingredients like Swalesdale goat cheese and Scottish trout and salmon. The Cellarium is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea most days. For both eateries, check the website for specific hours.
Cellarium Cafe, Westminster Abbey.
Terrace Restaurant at Westminster Abbey.
Salmon Cakes and Chips, Terrace Restaurant.
CAFE IN THE CRYPT, ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS: This has long been my favorite restaurant in central London. Located in St. Martin-in-the-Fields church on Trafalgar Square, Cafe in the Crypt is one of London’s best dining bargains. From Monday to Saturday, traditional English breakfast (eggs, bacon, Cumberland sausage, black pudding, baked beans, mushroom, tomato) is served. Afternoon tea is hefty and a great deal at £5.95. Menus for lunch and dinner change daily, with hot entrees like fish and chips, lamb stew or vegetarian curry costing under £10. Hours extend well into the evening hours, with jazz sessions on Wednesday nights. Hours are shorter on Sundays, when traditional teas and Sunday roast lunch are served. If you prefer to dine above ground, the church’s new Courtyard Cafe offers sandwiches, light meals, tea, wine and beer.
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, London.
Cafe in the Crypt, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, London.
THE RESTAURANT & CAFE, ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL: Most visitors to St. Paul’s are unaware that fine British cuisine is available right under their feet, in vaults beneath Christopher Wren’s masterpiece. To the left of the Cathedral’s front doors, an unobtrusive entrance leads to The Restaurant & Cafe at St. Paul’s. Afternoon tea features classic British baked goods like Chelsea buns, lavender shortbread, finger sandwiches and homemade cakes. Fixed-price lunches are available in two- and three-course menus, with traditional roasts on Sunday. Check the website for hours and a list of local suppliers that include the Restaurant’s own orchards and beekeepers.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.
The dining room at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The cafe at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Anytime’s a good time for British baked goods.
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Some unique ideas for dining in London! Eggs, baked beans, mushroom, tomato and more — I love those traditional English breakfasts.
I would have never thought that! That’s really so cool especially Cafe in the Crypt! I would dine there… Been to England when I didn’t care much about travel as a little girl, now I long to visit. Lol
What a great way to get your fill of history and solid English food!
Looks delicious…
What a wonderful post, Lesley! You truly have that gift of observation I so greatly admire. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, Lesley, this is a delicious post. You’ve now given me another reason (like I needed one) to make another trip to London. I’m overdue anyway. I’m especially looking forward to St. Paul’s.
Many eateries near St. Paul’s are closed on Sundays. St. Paul’s restaurant is open and the Sunday lunch menu really entices. Nothing would be better on a hot day then one of their refreshing drinks: ‘Britain in a Glass’ (rhubarb with English sparkling wine), Hendricks gin & Fever Tree tonic, or bottle green sparkling presse–mmm!
I have to admit even though I’m based in London most of the year I haven’t tried any of these out yet! I think I need to!
For quality to price ratio, The Crypt at St-Martin-in-the-Fields is popular with Londoners as well as being my go-to-place near the National Gallery. I never feel overwhelmed by crowds in there. The food is really good, too. They’re providing a real public service there, with a fair bit of style. You’ve got to try the Crypt!