{"id":671614,"date":"2026-01-03T17:38:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T17:38:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/671614\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T17:38:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T17:38:17","slug":"the-secret-wine-bar-below-london-hidden-in-an-old-church-crypt-in-the-heart-of-the-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/671614\/","title":{"rendered":"The secret wine bar \u2018below London\u2019 hidden in an old church crypt in the heart of the city"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A new wine bar has taken over the crypt of St Mary-le-Bow, replacing a much-loved City caf\u00e9<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">For years, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mylondon.news\/whats-on\/food-drink-news\/secret-caf-below-london-you-26883335\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Caf\u00e9 BelowLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Caf\u00e9 Below<\/a> quietly served City workers beneath St Mary-le-Bow church, on Bow Lane. After it closed due to changing post-pandemic office habits, the historic crypt has now reopened as Humble Grape\u2019s newest London location.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The wine bar sits directly under the bells of Saint Bow in earshot of which true Cockneys must be born. The 11th-century Norman crypt was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Humble Grape, founded in 2009, is known for championing small-batch, sustainable wines without the usual snobbery. This is its seventh venue, and arguably its most striking yet, with ancient arches and vaulted ceilings framing the space.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">We were invited to try out the new venue. As you walk down the stone steps, it\u2019s hard to believe the crypt is now filled with wine bottles rather than history alone.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_IMG_1485.jpg\" alt=\"The wine bar accommodates 60 people \" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>The wine bar accommodates 60 people (Image: Ines Santos\/ MyLondon)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The setting is dark but cosy, with a small room near the bar opening into a larger space lined with dramatic medieval arches. It feels intimate, atmospheric, and ideal for a low-key date night.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">With more than 500 wines on the list, choosing could feel daunting. Thankfully, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and our waiter suggested a wine that paired perfectly with our food. A glass of wine starts at \u00a37.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1_IMG_1460.jpg\" alt=\"The newest Humble Grape has just opened in November\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>The newest Humble Grape has just opened in November(Image: Ines Santos\/ MyLondon)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The menu focuses on organic, locally sourced ingredients made for sharing. We tried the crispy cauliflower with lime aioli and chilli ketchup, which was punchy and surprisingly full of flavour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">We also shared a cheese and charcuterie board, generous for two and leaning towards softer cheeses, served with excellent sourdough and seeded crackers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The real highlight, though, was the baked camembert with honey and hazelnuts. It was rich, comforting and dangerously easy to finish.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The prices are pretty much what you\u2019d expect for a spot right in the heart of the City. Small plates start at \u00a38.75, the cheese and charcuterie boards are \u00a330, and the baked camembert comes in at \u00a318.50.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_IMG_1465.jpg\" alt=\"Don't expect to find cheap food, but the setting is quite unique\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Don&#8217;t expect to find cheap food, but the setting is quite unique(Image: Ines Santos\/ MyLondon)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">There\u2019s also a selection of mains starting from \u00a320, plus an express lunch menu for office workers, with two courses for \u00a321 or three for \u00a325. Even more surprising is the breakfast menu &#8211; because there\u2019s something slightly surreal about having a croissant and orange juice inside a church crypt.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Caf\u00e9 Below was well loved, and <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mylondon.news\/whats-on\/whats-on-news\/wine-bar-replace-beloved-cafe-32630487\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"replacing it was always going to be noticed.Link opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">replacing it was always going to be noticed.<\/a> But Humble Grape has managed to give the crypt a new identity, turning it into a warm, inviting hideaway where history, wine and good food come together naturally.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Humble Grape currently has seven locations, including in Battersea, Islington and Crouch End.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters<\/strong> <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mylondon.news\/newsletter-preference-centre\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"hereLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">here<\/a> <\/strong><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">for the latest and greatest updates from across London.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2_GettyImages-528153683.jpg\" alt=\"\"  \/>Get the most exciting London events and new bars and restaurants sent straight to your phone<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">You can sign up to get the most exciting events to the new bars and restaurants in London sent straight to your WhatsApp from the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mylondon.news\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"MyLondon Link opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">MyLondon <\/a>team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">To sign up, you need to already have WhatsApp. <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">All you need to do is <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/LPaaGk3teTeEzoaEz26vSK\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"click this link Link opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">click this link <\/a>and select &#8216;join community&#8217;.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mylondon.news\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"MyLondonLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">MyLondon<\/a> team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose &#8216;exit group&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">If you\u2019re curious, you <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reachplc.com\/site-services\/privacy-policy\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"can read our privacy noticeLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">can read our privacy notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/LPaaGk3teTeEzoaEz26vSK\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Click here to sign up for alerts.Link opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Click here to sign up for alerts.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A new wine bar has taken over the crypt of St Mary-le-Bow, replacing a much-loved City caf\u00e9 For&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":671615,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7757],"tags":[748,11512,393,786,4884,257,19336,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-671614","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-london","8":"tag-britain","9":"tag-city-of-london","10":"tag-england","11":"tag-food-and-drink","12":"tag-great-britain","13":"tag-london","14":"tag-restaurant-reviews","15":"tag-uk","16":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115832390246903031","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/671614","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=671614"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/671614\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/671615"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=671614"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=671614"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=671614"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}