Café in the Crypt

Historic Crypt Delights with Superb Ambiance

Descending into the arches of the Café in the Crypt beneath St Martin-in-the-Fields feels like stepping into a Poe novel where the plot twist is a genteel afternoon tea. This curious blend of hallowed history and high tea offers more than just sustenance—it’s an atmosphere, served cold or hot depending on your menu choices. Without a doubt, sitting among the stone columns beside gravestones is not your typical dining ambiance—unless you moonlight as a gravekeeper who fancies a hot cuppa with their cobwebs. But jokes aside, it’s this idiosyncratic juxtaposition that draws tourists and locals alike into its gentle glow emanating warmly under Trafalgar Square.

The crypt might harken back to the quieter tones of classical chimes above, yet it has a pulse of its own—vibrating with the soft clatter of trays and an energetic chatter punctuated by occasional musical performances. The food, however, can dance between reviews; there are whispers of hushed disconfirmation for the occasional lukewarm dish. Fear not, your red wine will rescue any subpar supper. Vegetarian disciples will also find their populate among cherubic servings, while coffee-drinking sceptics might cautiously brave the till again for another of whatever delight made them chuckle their first time around. So, gather your curiosity, pay your respects at the crypt-cum-canteen, and enjoy what remains a calamitously charming chapter in London’s liturgy of eateries. Lingering scones—airy remnants of once-fresh trays—still destination contentedly at my table. — Penelope Savory