Christ Church Spitalfields
Christ Church Spitalfields
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
About
Christ Church, Spitalfields is an Anglican parish church standing at a very strategic location between the City of London and the East End. Its congregations are drawn largely from those who live or work locally. The Church has a heart for social outreach and works with link charities and local organisations as well as delivering its own programmes.The iconic Grade I listed building has significant heritage credentials and draws thousands of tourists and visitors every year. Built under the Act of Parliament of 1711 which required the building of fifty new churches to serve the new populations on the fringes of London, Christ Church Spitalfields was one of only 12 actually built and architect Nicholas Hawksmoor's largest and grandest. The building was saved from demolition and has been restored through generous financial support from public and private funds. Its restoration has revealed it to be one of the outstanding monuments of English Baroque architecture and Hawksmoor's masterpiece.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Spitalfields
For a glimpse of Georgian and Victorian London at its most pristine, or a peek into what's apt to be the next big global trend, the hipster zone of Spitalfields can provide hours of amazement. Around the clock, this is a haven for early morning bargain hunters sizing up its street markets, foodie foragers throughout the day, or late night revelers hitting some of London's most popular bars and clubs.

 Wedged between the business-minded City of London, expressly trendy Shoreditch, and zestful Whitechapel, the lines between traditional and contemporary beautifully blur in this historic East End nexus.
How to get there
- Shoreditch High St • 6 min walk
- Liverpool St • 7 min walk
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Restaurants
9,930 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,801 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
78 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
38
Average
3
Poor
4
Terrible
1
bucksreview
28 contributions
Feb 2020
Visited the cafe in the crypt for lunch. There wasn't much choice, but settled on a bacon and egg sandwich and a can of lemonade. This came to ÂŁ9.70. The staff member came over 5 minutes later having forgotten what I ordered (the cafe was half empty). My sandwich arrived, the bacon was overdone and dry and the egg was hard, needed about 5 minutes less, no runny yolk, no ketchup. I could have had a whole meal for that price.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter H
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK115 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
An amazing find in central London. A cool retreat away from the noise and heat of the streets. Here is a beautiful, clean and newly renovated cafe in the crypt of the church. Beautifully presented cakes and snacks, tea, coffee etc. The server was very helpful and polite even bringing water for our dog, oh yes it’s dog friendly 👍. Even the toilets were immaculate. If you want a reasonable, clean and quiet space this is it.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan M
Spokane, WA68 contributions
Oct 2013 • Solo
I have wanted to visit this church for years, but it was closed for renovation the last time I had attempted. I visited on a Sunday to see the church and to attend one of their Sunday services. The service was definitely not a traditional Anglican service. The atmosphere was informal and the congregation was very interactive. It was obvious that they had established a community and the rector knew his parishioners well.
The actual church is magnificent. Nicholas Hawksmoor created this church in 1714, and it is considered to be one of the finest of the 50 commissioned churches established in the 18th century London. The style is a combination of Gothic and Classical with massive Tuscan columns. The church is well lit with natural light.
While in the area, you might be interested in putting your head into, "The Ten Bells Pub", which is located across the street. It received its names for the ten bells of Christ Church. When I visited years ago, it was in a poor state, but now it has been restored to its former state. Two of Jack the Ripper's victims, Ann Chapman and Mary Reilly were last seen here. If one is interested, rent the movie "Mary Reilly" starring Julia Roberts. Nearby are several streets that have changed little from the foggy nights of Jack the Ripper London with the exception of some modern day cars parked along the street.
The actual church is magnificent. Nicholas Hawksmoor created this church in 1714, and it is considered to be one of the finest of the 50 commissioned churches established in the 18th century London. The style is a combination of Gothic and Classical with massive Tuscan columns. The church is well lit with natural light.
While in the area, you might be interested in putting your head into, "The Ten Bells Pub", which is located across the street. It received its names for the ten bells of Christ Church. When I visited years ago, it was in a poor state, but now it has been restored to its former state. Two of Jack the Ripper's victims, Ann Chapman and Mary Reilly were last seen here. If one is interested, rent the movie "Mary Reilly" starring Julia Roberts. Nearby are several streets that have changed little from the foggy nights of Jack the Ripper London with the exception of some modern day cars parked along the street.
Written April 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John T
London, UK673 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
I went here for a concert and really enjoyed the programme and the location. The event staff were polite and helpful. The building is beautiful and well maintained
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jezjay
St. Albans, UK72 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
If you are visiting Spitalfields go to the big white church (you cant miss it) next to the ten bells pub, go inside the church and to the far right corner of the church there are some steps leading down to the Crypt Cafe. You can also get to it outside the church below the steps on the right hand side.
We came back here twice on two days, it has only been opened a few months and the food was delicious and very reasonable. Everything here is home made, no factory produced muffins and sandwiches like you get in starbucks, it really is fantastic healthy and tasty food.
The tea was also very nice, strong and was real tea!
It was so quiet and peaceful in there, with the added benefit of history all around you.
I don't think they advertise it very well outside, one small board with writing that was not easy to read and too far back from the walkway, perhaps they need some arrows pointing from the railings and up to the entrance with just the words 'crypt cafe - homemade food' - something to entice people in more. The signage didn't seem adequate, which is a shame as they deserve to be successful.
We came back here twice on two days, it has only been opened a few months and the food was delicious and very reasonable. Everything here is home made, no factory produced muffins and sandwiches like you get in starbucks, it really is fantastic healthy and tasty food.
The tea was also very nice, strong and was real tea!
It was so quiet and peaceful in there, with the added benefit of history all around you.
I don't think they advertise it very well outside, one small board with writing that was not easy to read and too far back from the walkway, perhaps they need some arrows pointing from the railings and up to the entrance with just the words 'crypt cafe - homemade food' - something to entice people in more. The signage didn't seem adequate, which is a shame as they deserve to be successful.
Written February 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gregg H
Bronx, NY381 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
After doing a walking tour we visited Christ Church of Spitafields. The building is beautiful with its symmetrical appearance. The exterior is huge with large pillars in the front and a large flight of stairs. The interior is massive and has a very ornate and impressive organ (made in 1735) and beautiful stained glass windows. There was a contemporary service going on and a church member invited us into the church. We told him that we did not want to interrupt the service. He said it was ok to walk around and take pictures. The pews looked original and were inviting as I was very tired of walking around London. The church had excellent acoustics for when the congregation started to sing they sounded great. Upon examining the church literature it appears that the church was very involved in the local community and welcomed new members. The church had a warm feeling and was very tranquil and peaceful. As the church has been in the community for many years it appears that the community grew up around it. There were many historic residential buildings surrounding the church. The architecture of the building appeared to be that of Christopher Wren. I am sure the church records could tell lots about the history and development of the area. This church is definitely worth taking time to see.
Written June 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
firuzakhan
Mumbai, India469 contributions
May 2012 • Solo
A Nicholas Hawksmoor Church in a busy & historic part of London, a short walk from the Liverpool Street Station & Bishopsgate, close to Petticoat Lane and opposite the Spitalfields Market. It's interesting Palladian-like facade with columns and a towering steeple with a clock make it an imposing building within this historic market area which was once dominated by Huguenot weavers & now teeming with immigrants from Bangladesh.
The colorful Victorian-era window behind the altar is impressive as is the empty organ case. Its alabaster white interior is very similar to those seen in other churches of that period designed and restored by Sir Christopher Wren & his team. It's barrel-vaulted roof over the aisle and the column capitals are noteworthy. It's magnificent height looms above the narrow crowded lanes and seems a trifle out-of place in this busy area where some low slung Georgian houses still remain.
However, for Church lovers and followers of architecture, this Church is one of many that cannot be overlooked. The Spitalfields Market across the road & the nearby Petticoat Lane are interesting diversions where you may seek bargains.
, as it looks loftily down the narrow crowded lanes which were once dominated by Huguenot weavers & now teeming with immigrants from Bangladesh.
The colorful Victorian-era window behind the altar is impressive as is the empty organ case. Its alabaster white interior is very similar to those seen in other churches of that period designed and restored by Sir Christopher Wren & his team. It's barrel-vaulted roof over the aisle and the column capitals are noteworthy. It's magnificent height looms above the narrow crowded lanes and seems a trifle out-of place in this busy area where some low slung Georgian houses still remain.
However, for Church lovers and followers of architecture, this Church is one of many that cannot be overlooked. The Spitalfields Market across the road & the nearby Petticoat Lane are interesting diversions where you may seek bargains.
, as it looks loftily down the narrow crowded lanes which were once dominated by Huguenot weavers & now teeming with immigrants from Bangladesh.
Written October 2, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicholas H
London, UK20,371 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
For the second time I failed to see the interior of this imposing church on the boundary between the City of London and the East End, this time because there was a private service taking place. But this time I did get to experience the cafe in the crypt, which is one of the more atmospheric church cafes I’ve visited. It’s glowing light wooden panelling and furniture contrast wonderfully well with the 18th century stone of the crypt itself. The coffee is good and the cakes are a serious temptation, to which I’m afraid I very happily yielded. I really hope it will be third time lucky for seeing the interior some time soon.
Written November 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
degan
Seattle, WA670 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
Stately stone church with historic significant in Spitalfields. There are some very large (and old) oaks in the yard.
Written August 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
keith h
Chesham, UK1,168 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
Christ Church , Spitalfields is one of only six churches designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor.
. It is a particularly impressive structure, more so when approached front - on from Brushfield Street which runs from Bishopsgate straight to the main church entrance with Spital Square & Spitalfields Market on your left & some interesting shops to your right.
. Not only is it's Gothic/Baroque style that impresses : as one gets nearer you are aware of how large & dominant a structure it is.
. This was intentional. At the time of the construction of Christ Church ( 1714 -1729 ), the area around Spitalfields was populated by many non - conformists & the magnificence of Christ Church was a message to convey where the real power lay, with The Anglican Church.
. The interior is beautifully light & airy with pillars & galleries & a fine stained glass at the far end.
. Having entered the main body of the church, you can turn around & see above you a superb organ. This was built by the most prominent constructor of his time, Richard Bridge & was, at the time, the largest in the country. The pipes are encased in beautifully finished walnut wood. Having been in use since it's installation in 1735, the organ gradually deteriorated & went out of use in the 1960's. In the same time line, the church itself deteriorated & came close to demolition.
. Happily both the organ & the church have been recently restored to their full glory.
In the case of the church, which was radically altered in the1850's, it has been restored to it's original condition.
. The crypt now houses a cafe with outdoor seating, too.
A couple of interesting adjuncts to a visit are The Minister's House which stands in Fournier Street. This is a rare example of a Hawksmoor designed house.
. The Churchyard & small park to one side of the church were visited by the famous author, Jack London & described in lurid terms in his book, The People of The Abyss ( 1902 ), where he encountered the depths of the extreme poverty & homelessness of the area.
. It is a particularly impressive structure, more so when approached front - on from Brushfield Street which runs from Bishopsgate straight to the main church entrance with Spital Square & Spitalfields Market on your left & some interesting shops to your right.
. Not only is it's Gothic/Baroque style that impresses : as one gets nearer you are aware of how large & dominant a structure it is.
. This was intentional. At the time of the construction of Christ Church ( 1714 -1729 ), the area around Spitalfields was populated by many non - conformists & the magnificence of Christ Church was a message to convey where the real power lay, with The Anglican Church.
. The interior is beautifully light & airy with pillars & galleries & a fine stained glass at the far end.
. Having entered the main body of the church, you can turn around & see above you a superb organ. This was built by the most prominent constructor of his time, Richard Bridge & was, at the time, the largest in the country. The pipes are encased in beautifully finished walnut wood. Having been in use since it's installation in 1735, the organ gradually deteriorated & went out of use in the 1960's. In the same time line, the church itself deteriorated & came close to demolition.
. Happily both the organ & the church have been recently restored to their full glory.
In the case of the church, which was radically altered in the1850's, it has been restored to it's original condition.
. The crypt now houses a cafe with outdoor seating, too.
A couple of interesting adjuncts to a visit are The Minister's House which stands in Fournier Street. This is a rare example of a Hawksmoor designed house.
. The Churchyard & small park to one side of the church were visited by the famous author, Jack London & described in lurid terms in his book, The People of The Abyss ( 1902 ), where he encountered the depths of the extreme poverty & homelessness of the area.
Written July 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can anyone tell me the opening times please as planning to visit the area in the evening on a Saturday?
thanks
Written October 28, 2017
HoursSun13:00 - 16:00Mon - Fri10:00 - 16:00
Written September 19, 2018
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