2007 review: The Place Below is the vegetarian cafeteria located in the crypt of Sir Christopher Wren's famous St. Mary-le-Bow church, in the heart of the City of London, home to the famous Bow Bells. Great lunch location when visiting the Museum of London.
- Interesting location (a church crypt)
- clean and bright cafe considering it's in a crypt
- Discounts available for dining early or late
- Not good for elderly visitors or young children due to uneven steps
- Gets busy at lunchtime
- Not open in the evening or weekends
- Address:
The Place Below
St. Mary-le-Bow church
Cheapside
London
EC2V 6AU - Nearest Tube Stations:
- Bank
- St. Paul's
- Mansion House
- Telephone:
020 7329 0789 - Official Website:
www.theplacebelow.co.uk
2007 review: The Place Below is an interesting venue for breakfast or lunch. It opens at 7.30am and closes at 3pm and mostly caters for the city workers in the area, although the good quality vegetarian food encourages people to travel there specially.
The cafe is surprising bright considering it is in a crypt and there is no natural lighting. There are some dark alcoves with tables for two if you would like a more private meal, but most of the seating is for larger groups and diners share the space well. The Place Below is popular for business meetings and I noticed a few large groups having a coffee while discussing projects.
There are two counters: one for Illy coffee with salads, snacks and quick meals, packaged to be taken away, while the other counter serves the main meals which include a soup of the day, hot dish of the day, quiche of the day, as well as salads and more. I tried the 'Health bowl' which was wholegrain brown rice and puy lentils combined with seasonal vegetables. There were a selection of dressings to choose from and with a thick slice of freshly-baked bread I was pretty full. But I did manage to find space for the chocolate brownie which was yummy.
On the downside, The Place Below is not a suitable venue for elderly diners or those with young children as the only access is via some uneven steps. I did struggle down with my daughter in her buggy and we had a lovely lunch even though there weren't any highchairs (but I guess not everyone likes to make that journey with a small child). The prices are a little high (£5-£8 for a main meal) but no-one seemed to be complaining as the food is delicious and the atmosphere (even around all the city workers) was calm and pleasant. There's no background music which I say is a bonus. The major plus point is the staff who are extremely willing to help and are a credit to the establishment.
