Inside this beautiful, historical church you’ll find what many believe to be sacred: seriously fantastic coffee.
Saint Mary Aldermary is one of the oldest churches in the city dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It suffered quite badly in the Great Fire of London in 1668 and was rebuilt in the late 17th Century by Sir Christopher Wren — the architectural mastermind behind St Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Naval College. Unlike Wren’s many other city churches, Saint Mary Aldermary was built in a distinctive Gothic style. (Feature image: @mr_columbustravel)
Nowadays, the Guild Church is run by a new monastic community within the Church of England, and they’re all about promoting love, hospitality and inclusiveness. But it’s not just a place for quiet reflection within the big city — it also serves an excellent cup of joe at the gorgeous Host Café.
The Host Café’s coffee is provided by local roasters, Mission Coffee Works; the cakes and breads come from The Artisan Bakery; the pastries come from Little Bread Pedlar based in Bermondsey; and the teas are from Londoners, We Are Tea. There’s also organic soup and sourdough toast available if you’re after something hot.
You’re also welcome to bring your own lunch to Host Café if all you’re after is a change of scenery – and the WiFi is free to use, too.
Location: St Mary Aldermary, Watling Street, EC4M 9BW. Nearest station: Mansion House. See it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: Normally Monday to Friday, 7:30am–4.30pm (closes 4pm on Friday) – but due to COVID-19, their current opening hours are 8.30am until 2.30pm. Closed between Christmas and New Year.
Prices: vary.
More information: on their website.