Cafe in the Crypt
St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JH, UK
Opening Hours：
Monday: 11:00 – 19:00
Tuesday: 11:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 11:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:00
Friday: 10:00 – 19:30
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
For those looking for something unique and secret in the heart of London, heading straight to Trafalgar Square reveals one of the city's most fascinating hidden spots right beneath the noise of the tourists. Located within the 18th-century St Martin-in-the-Fields church, Café in the Crypt offers an experience that is rare to find.
Unique Underground Ambiance
Tucked away beneath the bustling streets, this spot transforms the solemn atmosphere of a historic cellar into a cozy, inviting refuge. Guests dine under majestic brick-vaulted ceilings, with the floor featuring preserved historical tombstones, creating an ambiance that is both fascinating and slightly eerie—yet undeniably elegant.
Casual Dining & Great Value
Operating as a self-service café, it provides an approachable and efficient dining style while serving as a rare, affordable dining option in a high-traffic tourist area:
Food Selection: The menu features traditional British home-style cooking, including hearty meat pies, roast chicken, and the iconic fish and chips.
Customer Favorites: Many diners highlight the fresh and varied salad bar as a standout feature, alongside crispy, thick-cut fries that receive consistent praise for their satisfying flavor and texture.
Sweet Treats: A wide assortment of cakes and pastries is available. The traditional Apple Crumble served with custard is frequently recommended, though some guests note that certain desserts can be quite sweet.
Nearby Attractions to Explore
Situated directly on Trafalgar Square, Café in the Crypt is the perfect starting point for exploring some of London’s most famous artistic and historic landmarks:
Trafalgar Square (1-minute walk): Step right outside into one of London’s most iconic public squares, featuring Lord Nelson’s Column, the famous bronze lions, and magnificent stone fountains.
The National Gallery (2-minute walk): Located right across the square, this world-renowned museum houses over 2,300 paintings, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Rembrandt (free general admission).
National Portrait Gallery (3-minute walk): Situated directly behind the National Gallery, home to the world’s largest collection of portraits of historically famous and influential British people.
Horse Guards Parade & Whitehall (5-minute walk): Walk down Whitehall towards Parliament to see the Mounted Royal Guards, or continue down the street towards Downing Street and Big Ben.
Covent Garden (7-minute walk): Stroll east towards Covent Garden’s bustling market building, filled with street performers, boutique shops, and vibrant street life.
Visitor Tips
Atmosphere: While the space is visually stunning, it is located underground, which can sometimes result in a cooler temperature or a slightly stuffy environment during peak hours.
Multi-functional Venue: The venue serves as a casual café by day and transforms into a vibrant space for jazz performances and cultural events known as "Crypt Lates" in the evening.
Etiquette: As a self-service establishment, guests are expected to return their own trays to the designated area after finishing their meal.