A wonderfully atmospheric cafe in the medieval crypt beneath St Martin-in-the-Fields church, steps from Trafalgar Square. Self-service hot meals, sandwiches, cakes, and excellent coffee among the tombstones. Genuinely good food at very fair prices in one of central London's most atmospheric spaces.
The Cafe in the Crypt operates in the medieval undercroft of St Martin-in-the-Fields church, directly behind Trafalgar Square in the heart of central London. The setting is one of the most atmospheric in the city: low brick vaulted ceilings, stone flags bearing eighteenth-century inscriptions, and the quiet that comes from several metres of church above. The cafe is self-service, open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, and operates as a social enterprise run by the church community. The menu covers hot meals, soups, sandwiches, and an excellent selection of British cakes and patisserie. Quality is genuinely good — well above the standard of most tourist-adjacent cafes in this part of London — and prices are extremely fair. The space also hosts evening concerts and exhibitions, and the broader St Martin-in-the-Fields complex includes a bookshop and art gallery. For visitors spending time around Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, or the Portrait Gallery, it represents an unusually good lunch option at a very accessible price. No reservation is required and the space can accommodate large groups.
Location
51.5082, -0.1263 View on map
Highlights
- Self-service cafe in the medieval crypt of St Martin-in-the-Fields, beneath Trafalgar Square
- Exceptionally atmospheric setting — vaulted ceilings, stone flags, eighteenth-century inscriptions
- Social enterprise run by the church with genuinely good food at fair prices
- Accessible all-day menu from breakfast through afternoon tea
- Ideal for visitors to the National Gallery or National Portrait Gallery nearby
Tips for visiting
- The lunchtime peak (noon to 1:30PM weekdays) is busy — arriving early or slightly after peak gets a better table.
- The hot daily specials change with the season and are a significantly better option than the cold counter at lunchtime.
- Evening concerts in the Crypt are worth checking — the acoustics are remarkable in the vaulted space.
- The church above has free lunchtime concerts on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
- The bookshop in the church complex is excellent for theology, music, and London-related titles.
Accessibility
The Cafe in the Crypt is reached by stairs from the church above, but a lift provides step-free access for visitors with mobility requirements. The crypt level is fully accessible once reached. Contact the church in advance to confirm lift availability.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need to buy food to enter the Cafe in the Crypt?
The Cafe in the Crypt is a public space open to all. Visitors do not need to purchase food to enter, though the cafe exists to support the church's charitable work and purchasing something is encouraged.
What kind of food does the Cafe in the Crypt serve?
The cafe serves self-service hot meals (typically two or three daily options), soups, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. The menu is broadly British with seasonal variations. Vegetarian options are always available.
Is the Cafe in the Crypt accessible?
The crypt is accessed by stairs from street level, but a lift is available for visitors unable to use the stairs. Contact St Martin-in-the-Fields directly to confirm current lift access arrangements.