Hello dear
Café Below, nestled beneath the historic St Mary Le Bow Church in London’s bustling Cheapside, is a hidden gem offering a delightful escape from the city's hustle. Renowned for its cozy atmosphere accentuated by exposed brick and candle-lit tables, this café is a perfect spot for everything from a quick coffee to a leisurely lunch. The menu features a thoughtful array of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, ranging from a hearty Full English breakfast to innovative vegetarian curries. Patrons rave about the exceptional service and the quality of the food, making Café Below a must-visit for both locals and travelers seeking flavor and comfort in a unique setting.
About
Welcome to Café Below, a hidden gem nestled beneath the historic St Mary Le Bow Church in Cheapside, London. This unique eatery offers a delightful escape from the bustling streets above, inviting you to immerse yourself in its cozy, vaulted ambiance. With exposed brick walls and candle-lit tables, Café Below exudes a charm that makes it perfect for anything from a leisurely breakfast to a relaxed lunch.
The menu at Café Below is a thoughtful showcase of seasonal dishes crafted from quality, locally sourced ingredients. Start your day with their Buttermilk Pancakes, which are available in various combinations, or indulge in the hearty Full English Breakfast—a classic that doesn't disappoint. The pancakes are light, fluffy, and beautifully stacked, while the Full English offers a satisfying blend of bacon, sausage, eggs, and more, providing an impressive kick-start to your morning.
For lunch, Café Below continues to impress with its diverse offerings. The Korean Gochujang Chicken on a bed of kimchi noodle salad showcases an enticing fusion of flavors, while the Squash & Red Lentil Curry satisfies even the most discerning vegetarian palates. The Slow Roast Lamb Shoulder Shawarma served on za’atar flatbread is a testament to the kitchen's commitment to excellence, tender and bursting with flavor.
Customer reviews reflect a consistent theme of satisfaction. Diners rave about the beautiful homemade food, the attentive service, and the relaxed atmosphere. One patron described it as "one of those rare London finds," where the blend of history and great food creates an atmosphere of comfort and charm. The staff at Café Below are approachable and friendly, always eager to recommend dishes and ensure a pleasant dining experience.
If you have a sweet tooth, don't forget to leave room for their homemade cakes, which have garnered accolades from visitors for their rich flavors and delightful presentation. Pair it with expertly brewed coffee, and you have the perfect ending to your meal.
Café Below is more than just a place to eat; it’s a comforting retreat steeped in history, where soul and flavor harmoniously intersect. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make it a priority to discover this enchanting spot. You’ll leave with not just a satisfied palate, but also the warm feeling that comes from indulging in excellent food amid a bit of London’s rich heritage.
“ Beautiful homemade food. This place is a little gem. Never eaten in a place like this before but I'll definitely be back for more soon. ”
“ We were a group of 14 for lunch. From the initial booking to the service and food, everything was fast and easy. My friends loved the food and the unusual location. Staff was very nice and patient. ”
“ The service here was top notch, we had a really helpful waitress. Food arrived quickly and was delicious. After my first time here, i will definitely coming back here more often. ”
“ Cafe Below is one of those rare London finds that instantly makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret. Tucked away beneath the historic St Mary Le Bow Church, this charming spot offers a unique blend of atmosphere, history, and fantastic food. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a cozy, vaulted setting that feels worlds away from the busy Cheapside streets above. The space is intimate and full of character, with exposed brick and candle-lit tables that make it perfect for everything from a quiet coffee to a hearty lunch. The menu is a thoughtful mix of seasonal dishes, with a strong emphasis on quality, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a wholesome vegetarian stew or a perfectly roasted meat dish, everything is freshly prepared and beautifully presented. The coffee is excellent, and the homemade cakes are well worth saving room for. Service is friendly and unpretentious—staff are always happy to chat or recommend something new to try. It’s clear that the team takes pride in what they do, and it really adds to the overall experience. If you’re in the City and looking for somewhere special to escape the rush, Cafe Below is a must-visit. A peaceful retreat with soul, flavor, and a touch of history. ”
“ This is an amazing looking place. Completely unique. The nexus is interesting and everything is reasonably priced, especially considering its location. Ate here today. Quirky relaxed dining area, with reasonably priced food for the location. ”
“ I love this place for a delicious work lunch. It feels like such a hidden gem below the church. I've been here at least three times and each time there has been a different menu, generally middle eastern/Mediterranean style food. If they have homemade juice available to accompany your meal, I would highly recommend it! I've never been disappointed here and the prices are in line with the quality of the meal. The service is always friendly and down to earth. ”
“ Hidden gem in the city. Food was served surprisingly quick. ”
“ This is an amazing cafe with excellent food and drinks. It is excellent value for money with good choice of starters and main courses in particular. Will certainly be revisiting soon as the menus change frequently so you never get fed looking at the same menu. ”