Café in the Crypt – A class above, below

There are few places in London where you can see quality classical or jazz music for a decent price. You may find some little den of iniquity outside the city walls, but the quality of music is likely to be more second-rate than a Ronaldo dive.

Thankfully, largely overpriced Trafalgar Square has a trick up its sleeve, for buried in the catacombs of St. Martin-in-the-Fields church lies the Café in the Crypt; a vaulted subterranean fusion of good food and even better music. The place alone is striking; the up-lit vaults provide the perfect acoustic backdrop to some elegant dining. The last time I went I caught an excellent jazz trio, though classical sets are the meat and cheese.

The staff are incredibly kind and friendly, the clientèle passive and warm, and the food – whilst not exactly Michelin starred – is good enough to come back to many a time. Served on a buffet basis, there are various salads, roasts, pies and other dishes to satisfy almost every taste.

It’s fantastic value, too – lunch or dinner. Compared to other jazz venues like Ronnie Scott’s of Camden’s imposing Jazz Café tickets are fractional. Some nights you can even catch a concert and meal for £20. For the sheer quality the Café oozes this is a great offer. Other night tickets may range from as little as £8 to the bigger classical concertos breaking in at the £20 – £25 mark. Either way, you’d be a fool to miss one of central London’s most beautifully best-kept secrets.

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Café in the Crypt | Bars, Music, Festivals & events, Restaurants (English)
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church | Central | +442077661158
Mon – Tue 08:00 – 20:00, Wed – Sat 08:00 – 22:00, Sun 12:00 – 18:00