Quiet London: Host Cafe & St Mary Aldermary

It is not often I would consider writing a whole post about simply one cafe.  This is an indication of just how special The Host Cafe is.  It is situated within the church of St Mary Aldermary very close to St Paul’s Cathedral and is a world away from the hustle and bustle which surrounds the city of London.

Humble Beginnings

St Mary Aldermary  began functioning as a church and place of Christian worship before 1100 when it is believed Benedictine monks from Christchurch Priory, Canterbury founded a church on the site.  St Mary Aldermary like so many places of worship has not been without its troubles over the years.  In 1666 it was destroyed by The Great Fire of London and had to be rebuilt by a team led by Sir Christopher Wren.  Some years later in 1703 it required further rebuilding work as its tower was destroyed by the great storm. Various other refurbishment went on over the next 150 years or so until once again it came under fire, this time during WWII where many of its Victorian Stained glass windows were destroyed.  It continued as a parish church until 1952 when it then became a Guild Church giving it a unique mission and ministry within the City of London

Host Cafe and St Mary Aldermary Today

Since  2012, the church has been home to Host Cafe whilst continuing as a church and base for the Moot Community. This community is a non monastic group of believers whose home is the Church or St Mary Aldermary.  On the Moot Community website it says

“We seek to live in a way that is both relevant to modern culture and to God, by finding God in the midst of everyday life. We welcome all to share their lives and learning with us – our doors are open throughout the week”.

During the day from Monday to Friday, the church is used as a cafe.  At weekends it is still used as a place of worship with mass taking place every Sunday.  During the week there are also times of prayer and meditation.  Special events are also held at particular times throughout the year.

Why Visit?

A Beautiful Building.

I have been to a number of church cafes over the years, but never have I been to one quite as beautiful as this. Often church cafes are tucked away at the back of the church or hidden underneath in the cloisters.  Host Cafe is the whole church, it fills the church not just with the smell of fine coffee but with a mixture of vibrancy and peace which meld together seamessly.

Stained glass windows illuminate the ancient building and light streams through warming the stone pillars and columns and giving a brightness and purity to the white arches and intricate white plaster ceiling.  I last visited on a hot day in late summer and the coolness was a welcome relief from the heat of London’s streets.  I suspect it is warm and cosy in winter too….

As someone that grew up in an Anglican church, this feels like a very natural environment to me, but even if you have never stepped over the threshold of a church before I have no doubt you will feel welcome here.

A Place to Work and Rest

Unlike traditional cafes and even church cafes, the majority of seating is in wooden church pews. There are a handful of sofas and more conventional seating in the form of tables and chairs but these are at a premium. I actually love this. It only enhances the original and continued use of the church building.  Watching people sit side by side or in front and behind each other as they chat or sit in comfortable silence is somehow pleasing.  I enjoy balancing my cup of coffee on the ledge where prayer and hymn books sit at other times. The view of the vast stained glass window at the front of the church, the  intricate wooden carving on the pulpit and the large chandeliers which hang at equal spaces from the glorious ceiling is too good to have your back to.

Host Cafe is frequented by a mix of people.  Inevitably lots of local workers gravitate here to take advantage of the free wifi and meet with colleagues.  Others visit simply to take the weight from their feet and enjoy the splendour of the building.  Tourists regularly wander in with cameras and stop and stare before taking pictures from all angles.  Others like me, visit just to drink coffee in one of the most beautiful churches in London.

A Place to Eat and Drink

Unlike any other cafe I know, visitors are also welcome to bring in their own food and drink.  The ethos is at St Mary Aldermary is very much about being a place for all to enjoy.  So if you want to bring in your own picnic or food purchased from another establishment thats just fine!

However, I would recommend taking advantage of the delicious coffee served by the friendly and welcoming staff.  As you would expect, the coffee is ethically sourced direct trade coffee. It is a product of Mission Coffee Works in East London.  Generously filled sandwiches are great value at just £4. A selection of scrumptious cakes ( I can vouch for the carrot cake) are also available courtesy of Luminary bakery. A bakery which supports women victims of human trafficking and homelessness.

A Place of Reflection and Contemplation

Host Cafe is so much more than just a cafe in a church, it fills the church and provides a welcome to workers and tourists alike.  It is a lovely place in which to step away from the busy London streets and find some quiet. This is a place to not just drink coffee, but a place to  pause a while and enjoy some genuine moments of calm.  Whatever your religious or spiritual beliefs or practices I believe this is a place for everyone.  It is warm, welcoming, tranquil and an oasis in a metropolis that can at times feel vast and overwhelming.

Where is it? 69 Watling Street, London EC4M BW

Getting There: Mansion House Underground Station or St Paul’s Underground Station

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 7.30-4.30, Friday 7.30-4.00  Closed at Weekends