Host Café in London is a rather unique cafe, located in a stunning 17th-century church, designed by English architect Sir Christopher Wren.
The coffee shop, which is located in St Mary Aldermary church, just off Bow Lane, is open weekdays from 7:30 until 4, and offers an array of ethically sourced teas and coffees, alongside organic soups and locally baked cakes.
A perfect venue for a quick catch-up, tables can also be booked for remote workers looking for a change of scene, with bookings of four hours costing £10 per person, which includes a free drink, while bookings between four and eight hours cost £18 per person, and includes two free drinks.
A video clip of the cafe, and its stunning surroundings, was recently shared on Instagram by influencer Aleksandra Aknin, who posts using the handle @aleks_london_diary.
She wrote: “Would you have coffee in an iconic church in London? Tucked away in the historic setting of St. Mary Aldermary Church, just off Bow Lane in the heart of London, lies a hidden gem: Host Café.
“Combining the timeless serenity of this 17th-century church with the vibrant energy of a modern coffee shop, it offers a unique atmosphere perfect for a peaceful retreat in the bustling city.”
While a church has stood on this location since the medieval era, much of the current structure dates to the 17th century.
A rebuilding project began early in the 1500s but was not finished until 1632, and just 30 years later the church was severely damaged in the Great Fire of London.
It was subsequently rebuilt once more, this time to the designs of Sir Christopher Wren, although it marked a split from his typical design, being reconstructed in a Gothic Revival style.
The church was damaged once again during World War Two when German bombers attacked the city of London, leading to the destruction of the St Mary’s Victorian stained glass windows.
Due to this, the stained glass currently seen in the church typically dates back to the 1950s. In 1950 the church was designated a Grade I listed building.