·      Is this still a FUNCTIONING church?

YES! St Mary Aldermary is the home of Moot Community. Moot organises group meditations and prayers throughout the week. Morning prayer and Sunday services are lead by Fr Paul Kennedy.

·      How long has the café been operative for? 

Host Café opened its doors on the 27th November 2012.

·      Are the members of staff volunteers? 

In the early days of Host Café the members of staff were mainly volunteers. As the business grew, we proudly became London Living Wage employers and hired members of staff who are professional baristas. We also work with Out’n’About, a London-based organisation who find work placements for young volunteers with learning disabilities.

·      Is it the only church in London that is also a coffee shop? 

We are the only establishment of Host Café but there are more coffee shops in churches in London! Go check our neighbours at
The Wren: St Nicholas Cole Abbey, 114 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4BJ
Café Below:St Mary-le-Bow Church, Cheapside, London EC2V 6AU

·      Can I BRING IN FOOD OR DRINKS FROM OTHER BUSINESSES? 

We only allow food and drinks inside from businesses that are on our premise. (Host Café, Burrito Joe and Souvlaki By)
Pre-Covid, we allowed all sorts of food to be consumed on our pews, but unfortunately this is no longer sustainable for us. You are, however, most welcome to bring in food from our food stalls and consume this while sitting on our pews (with or without a consumption from the café). You can find them right outside on our doorstep.

·      Are you open on the weekend? 

NO. As St. Mary Aldermary is still a functioning church, the weekend is dedicated to prayers. You can join Sunday mass or meditation and prayer groups with the Moot Community.

·      Are dogs allowed?

YES! Everyone is welcome at Host Café; your puppy is too! 

·      How do I get there? 

Our official address is 69 Watling Street, EC4M 9BW, but the best way to find us in between all the buildings is by looking up for our tower. The church has three entrances:
Bow Lane
Queen Victoria Street
Watling Street 

We are opposite Mansion House Tube Station and only a few minutes walk from Bank, St Paul’s and Cannon Street.

·      Can we still sit in the church after the coffee shop closes? 

NO.  Once the coffee shop is closed, so is the church. This allows our staff to clean the space so that after café-hours it can be used for its primary purpose: prayer and meditation.