St Mary Aldermary - London

Jemma M.

Stunning old church, now a stunning café! Busy atmosphere during a weekday lunchtime.

Mateusz D.

A lovely lovely Church with beautiful ceilings and stained glass. Not a very big Church but high ceilings. What is a must here is the excellent Host cafe that served delicious cakes and tea in pots. Very busy though and people do tend to stay there for a long time so getting a table could be challenging. Very pleasant service.

The cafe is open from 7.30am-4pm every weekday.

Of medieval origin, rebuilding began in 1510 and was not finished until 1632. Severely damaged just 33 years later during the Great Fire of London in 1666, it was rebuilt once more by the office of Sir Christopher Wren. Unlike most of Wren's City churches, St Mary Aldermary was reconstructed in the Gothic Revival style. In 1952 its role was changed from a parish church to that of a guild church, intended to serve commuters and non-resident workers within the City of London. The main church space acts a public cafe during weekday business hours, with religious and meditative sessions held during mornings and evenings.

E H.

Tucked away amidst the bustling streets near Bank Station lies a true hidden gem: St. Mary Aldermary. Stepping inside this historic church is like stepping into another world—one of tranquility, beauty, and spiritual solace. But what truly elevates the experience is the delightful surprise waiting within its walls: Vcafe.

Nestled within the serene ambiance of St. Mary Aldermary, Vcafe offers a unique and charming experience for visitors. As you enter, you're greeted not only by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee but also by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The combination of the historic setting with modern comfort creates an ambiance that is both soothing and rejuvenating.

The menu at Vcafe boasts a variety of delicious offerings to satisfy any craving. From freshly baked pastries to hearty sandwiches and salads, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And let's not forget about the coffee—expertly crafted and served with a smile, it's the perfect pick-me-up after a long day of exploring the city.

One aspect worth noting is the unique concept of table rental. While it may seem unconventional at first, it adds an interesting twist to the café experience. After all, where else can you enjoy a cup of coffee surrounded by centuries-old architecture? The nominal fee for table rental is a small price to pay for the privilege of soaking in the ambiance of this historic setting.

If you plan to have a coffee at the cafe, note that after 1.5 hours, guests are reminded to leave or extend their stay by paying the rent for tables, £10 per person.

Overall, a visit to St. Mary Aldermary and cafe is a must for anyone exploring the Bank Station area. Whether you're seeking a moment of quiet reflection, a delicious sandwich, or simply a cup of coffee, you'll find it all within these historic walls. So next time you find yourself in the heart of the city, be sure to stop by and experience the magic for yourself.

Shaun M.

This place is quite unique.i like the way the space can still be used for worship even when coffee lovers are enjoying their thing. I also like the attention given to quiet contemplation and so it makes the whole place quite nice to just sit and be present. It's not that cheap but the coffee is good and the carrot cake is good.
A downside is the fact that there aren't that many proper seats that aren't pews so it's not possible to sit to work or read or sketch for any length of time... It's not for hanging around in this respect which I find a shame. All in all, a great find that is recommended without hesitation.

John C. (. A. J.

Very interesting Grade I-listed anglican church in the City of London a couple of minutes walk from Mansion House Underground Station.

A church had existed on the site for more than 900 years but it was badly damaged during the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was mostly rebuilt by the office of Sir Christopher Wren in a gothic style. Great tower and lovely ceiling and organ.

The church operates as a cafe during weekdays and is well worth a visit.

Carmen G.

I went to enjoy a coffee and a book. It was nice but way more noisy than expected.

Charles C.

Came to this church by chance ,as we went in was a staff was there to give us leaflet and told us a bit about the church, we got coffee and cake and sat down and enjoy the wonderful building ,and then walk around it's a fantastic place and so peaceful one can just have time to chill out and think about life. Well it was a wonderful experience.

Sarah H.

My Husband and I came here for the first time on valentine's day, they reserved a table for us and put a rose on the table for us, the coffee was lovely and the staff were professional too. The church itself was astonishing and breathtaking, would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants a different place to have a coffee/tea. We will definitely be visiting again.