Host

St Mary Aldermary, Watling St, EC4M 9BW

Editor's Review

Host is a coffee shop inside St Mary Aldermary, a beautiful, historic church in Watling Street. This is not your typical church café, however. As well as providing a quiet, reflective space within the busy city, Host provides suprisingly high quality coffee and food. The coffee, from Mission Coffee Works, is superbly made, whether in espresso based drinks, via AeroPress or as their house cold brew.

David, the manager, from Belgium via California, is studied in theology but also in coffee – having trained with two former US Barista Champions, Heather Perry and Michael Phillips (second and first place in WBC themselves respectively). You wouldn’t know that from his humble, friendly manner, but you might from his emphasis on excellent coffee and his special drink offers – such as a delicious cold brew and tonic.

There has been a church on the site of St Mary Aldermary for over 900 years. The current building, built by Wren in 1704 in a Gothic style, is now run by a new monastic community within the Church of England who emphasise hospitality, humility, love and inclusion. It’s a welcoming space and one where visitors can take the time to relax and reflect as they enjoy a fine cup of coffee.

Soup is available and bread and cakes are from Artisan, pastries from the superb Little Bread Pedlar and teas from We Are Tea. The space is remarkable; it’s a spacious, peaceful place and a great place to drink coffee!

Come feed your body, mind and spirit!

Review by Phil Wain.