Tucked away in the City of London, just a stone’s throw away from St. Paul’s, The Wren Coffee offers an enchanting café experience nestled inside St. Nicholas Cole Abbey. This serene safe haven invites you to soak up the storied (and totally gorgeous) ambience, all while sipping on an expertly crafted cup of coffee or enjoying a delicious baked treat for a quick pick-me-up.
Whether you’re a certified history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a cosy spot to relax and get some work done, The Wren Coffee is an absolute must-visit café that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets outside, with so much fascinating history echoing within.
The History of St. Nicholas Cole Abbey
The church boasts a fascinating past, founded during medieval times in the twelfth century. It has come a long way since then, facing its first major restoration after the Great Fire of London in 1666 to the style we know and love today.
Renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren led the rebuild, instilling the structure with a striking English Baroque style (fun fact, another one of his London churches has also become a coffee shop). A few centuries later, the church was significantly damaged during the Blitz of World War II but was lovingly restored to its former glory, remaining a testament to the City’s beloved mix-match of the old and the new.
The English Baroque architecture, with its intricate details and grandiose design, truly creates an awe-inspiring setting for The Wren Coffee. The antiquated stone walls and high ceilings combined with the café’s modern and inviting décor make for a soul-soothing experience.
The Wren Coffee
The café itself offers a delectably drool-worthy array of food and drink. From their aromatic coffees brewed with locally sourced beans to picture-perfect pastries and wholesome sandwiches, sort out that caffeine fix and lunchtime hunger inside this awesome abbey and beloved church caff!
However, St Nicholas Cole Abbey also remains a fully operational church with services on Thursday lunchtimes and Sunday mornings. There’s also a range of church events throughout the year, from carol services at Christmas to insightful talks.
Photo: @thewrencoffee
The Wren Coffee is open Monday through Friday from 7 am until 4:30 pm. The church is closed on Thursdays from 12:45 pm until 2 pm for their church services. For more information, click here to visit their website.
If you’re a committed coffee connoisseur, don’t miss our all-encompassing coffee guide to London, which you can read by clicking the link below.