Host cafe is quite the Host!

London

Host Café

I love the contrast between the old and new when it comes to architecture and Design. It's a huge reason why I love London and find it really prolific in the City.

So when there was a chance to review the Host Cafe within the St Mary Aldermary Church, I jumped at the chance. I heard on the grapevine they have really good coffee.....so it was a no-brainer. The Church is spectacular and 900 years old! I find it so quirky that there is a cosy style cafe in the midst of a huge church. What a great space to sit and reflect and also catch up with a friend for a calm conversation. You can sit in the pews and sip a flat white which I took the time to do. The Church itself was built in a Gothic Style, by the famous Christopher Wren, who just so happened to build St Paul's Cathedral....and around 50 other London churches. It boasts stained glass windows, beautiful design, and religious artifacts that personally, I find fascinating....and I am not even religious. Most importantly, it also boasts coffee, pastries, and cakes....(and more, but I went in the morning.) I am all about community and supporting local businesses so I was thrilled to explore how the cafe is run. It is the home of Moot and prides itself on being 'a welcoming contemplative community, inspired by monastic wisdom.' I love that they actively promote any background and identity and you openly are welcome into this safe space. It is clear that they’re all about promoting community and local produce too. They use local coffee, roasted by Mission Works. It is a truly calm space especially when you come for a break from a job in London or being a tourist, I saw a few city workers come in and they must feel a huge contrast from an office environment. They have a few coffee brews/blends available and the Baristas are clearly well trained, I had an almond croissant and sat in the pews, admiring the architecture. They have free WiFi and spaces to sit and work so if you are fed up with the office, this is a very good working space. Overall, this is a different scene and a great change from the usual mainstream coffee chains. I highly recommend popping into Host Cafe and taking a moment for yourself.