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Lovely church with a lot of history and possible stories in the City of London, in front of the Guildhall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rare place of peace and history
Wander round andcsit for 15 or 20 minutes
Wander round andcsit for 15 or 20 minutes
amazing to find such a church surrounded by all the brutalist architecture of the barbican centre
Beautiful church, fascinating history, great acoustic for singing in.
It is a beautiful church
I love the structure, the stained glass and the details they have preserved.
the history of the place is incredible
a place to visit without a doubt.
They also do a lot to promote culture with the locals.
I love the structure, the stained glass and the details they have preserved.
the history of the place is incredible
a place to visit without a doubt.
They also do a lot to promote culture with the locals.
Really cute cafe in a church. Coffee was very good, staff was friendly. It was a litl busy.
What s an incredible ideia, to combine a coffee an a church to make it a social place where people , can be bythemself or with friends, pray or socializing, it has made this place very particular.
The team were amazing, pleasant and welcoming. It s a 5 star experience for me.
The team were amazing, pleasant and welcoming. It s a 5 star experience for me.
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.
A very hidden Church, inside the Barbican development, is a Gothic new refurbished Church and one of the few Medieval churches remained. Strongly recommend it
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.
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.
It's a glorious church tucked into the heart of the Barbican, and a brilliant venue for classical concerts. Word of warning though, there's no toilets so you have to go to the Barbican over the walkway.
A beautiful church in the city of London. One of Wrenn's post Great Fire of London Churches.
The "wedding cake" fanning on the ceiling is some of the best work in London if not the country.
The "wedding cake" fanning on the ceiling is some of the best work in London if not the country.
The church was originally built in the twelfth century and dedicated to St Lawrence; the weathervane of the present church is in the form of his instrument of martyrdom, the gridiron. The church is near the former medieval Jewish ghetto, which was centred on the street named Old Jewry. From 1280 it was an advowson held by Balliol College, Oxford.
It is thought that the unusual alignment of the church may be because it was built on the site of the London Roman Amphitheatre, which was rediscovered as recently as 1988. Its remains can now be visited beneath the Guildhall Art Gallery.
The medieval church was destroyed in the Great Fire of London and rebuilt by Christopher Wren between 1670 and 1687. The parish was united with that of St Mary Magdalen, Milk Street, which was not rebuilt. The church is entirely faced in stone, with a grand east front, on which four attached Corinthian columns, raised on a basement, support a pediment placed against a high attic.
The church suffered extensive damage during the Blitz on 29 December 1940, and after the war the City of London Corporation agreed to restore it as Balliol College had no funds to do so. It was restored in 1957 by the architect Cecil Brown to Wren's original design. It is now a guild church which does not have its own parish and is not responsible to the parish authorities in its locality; it does not have to hold Sunday services.
The church was described by Sir John Betjeman as "very municipal, very splendid." It was designated a Grade I listed building on 4 January 1950.
It is thought that the unusual alignment of the church may be because it was built on the site of the London Roman Amphitheatre, which was rediscovered as recently as 1988. Its remains can now be visited beneath the Guildhall Art Gallery.
The medieval church was destroyed in the Great Fire of London and rebuilt by Christopher Wren between 1670 and 1687. The parish was united with that of St Mary Magdalen, Milk Street, which was not rebuilt. The church is entirely faced in stone, with a grand east front, on which four attached Corinthian columns, raised on a basement, support a pediment placed against a high attic.
The church suffered extensive damage during the Blitz on 29 December 1940, and after the war the City of London Corporation agreed to restore it as Balliol College had no funds to do so. It was restored in 1957 by the architect Cecil Brown to Wren's original design. It is now a guild church which does not have its own parish and is not responsible to the parish authorities in its locality; it does not have to hold Sunday services.
The church was described by Sir John Betjeman as "very municipal, very splendid." It was designated a Grade I listed building on 4 January 1950.
Beautiful church, lots of history and lots of involvement with the City including several Livery Companies. It would be nice to have a few services at say 5:30pm so perhaps people could attend after work in the week, but I guess that's a case of limited demand....
The clergy and assisting staff are friendly and approachable.
The clergy and assisting staff are friendly and approachable.
This is a nice place where tourist and city workers can have a spiritual and physical rest during the day. They often play instrimental music concerts (check their programme) and carrols around Christmas. You can eat your food while listening to some student training on the organ. Outside concert hours, you cam certainly find a seat.
There is a drawing of the city amd its building which shows the damages of WWII bombs.
There is a drawing of the city amd its building which shows the damages of WWII bombs.
The Friday service with Communion at 1:15 is perfect. It gives me a boost on Friday to get me through to Sunday and recover from a hard week but fits well within a lunch hour. The sermons always give me something to think about.
The church itself is beautiful with a lot of interesting artefacts, locations and stained glass windows. The guide book is very interesting.
Finally, I've only been able to attend a couple but the music productions sound great in the acoustics of the church.
The church itself is beautiful with a lot of interesting artefacts, locations and stained glass windows. The guide book is very interesting.
Finally, I've only been able to attend a couple but the music productions sound great in the acoustics of the church.
Got married in this church just over 5 years ago. Its a beautiful building, and a great organ inside. Well worth a visit on your walks around the City.
The church itself is rather shabby. Just a protestant prayer house, mostly devoid of beauty. But it is worth visiting for one thing - the magnificent stained glass with various saints. It contains a beautiful image of St Anselm of Canterbury wearing green vestments and a hare by his feet. I love St Anselm and this is one of the most charming images of this Doctor of the Church I have seen. So, visit the church and enjoy the magnificent stained glass window.
Beautiful church in center of city of London
Beautiful and relatively peaceful place right outside Guildhall. The pond is a nice spot to stop and relax.
Mainly know it as my local polling station and once for a classical concert from the local school.
Nice building and surrounded by old headstones etc dug up when the Barbican estate was being built.
Interesting stained glass window on West end showing the modern City of London skyline a few years back with No 42 or the old Nat West Tower as it was known before, being most recognisable
Nice building and surrounded by old headstones etc dug up when the Barbican estate was being built.
Interesting stained glass window on West end showing the modern City of London skyline a few years back with No 42 or the old Nat West Tower as it was known before, being most recognisable