Coffee in a Church

There was one more place in Mayfair that I absolutely didn't want to miss: Mercato Mayfair.

I'd heard about it long before my trip because the concept is simply brilliant.

Take a beautiful old church...
...and turn it into a food hall.

I arrived shortly after opening time, which turned out to be perfect.

The food vendors were all open and preparing for the day, but there were hardly any visitors yet. For a little while, I almost had the place to myself.

After yesterday's unsuccessful attempt at having coffee in a church crypt, today I finally succeeded.

I ordered a coffee and an almond croissant and found a seat beneath the soaring arches of the former church.

Mission accomplished.

The building is stunning.

The original architecture has been beautifully preserved, while the food stalls blend surprisingly well into the historic surroundings. Looking up from your coffee to admire stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings isn't something you get to experience every day.

As much as I enjoyed the peaceful morning atmosphere, I couldn't help thinking that this place must really come alive in the evenings.

Cocktails. Shared food. Friends.
Music echoing softly beneath the church ceiling.

Now that sounds like an evening well spent.

If I ever return to London, Mercato Mayfair is definitely going back on the itinerary.Read more