London – Around Town : The City (part 2) – City Churches to Visit, Eating and Drinking

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Bartholomew-the-Great

One of London’s oldest churches, St Bartholomew, was built in the 12th century. Several Norman architectural details may be seen.

• West Smithfield EC1

• Open 8:30am–5pm (4pm in winter) Mon–Fri, 10:30am–4pm Sat, 8:30am–8pm Sun

• Adm

St Mary-le-Bow

Located in Cheapside, St Mary-le-Bow was rebuilt by Wren following its destruction in the Great Fire of London in 1666.

• Cheapside EC2

• Open 7am–6pm Mon–Wed, 7am–4pm Fri

• Free

St Sepulchre-without-Newgate

The largest church in the city, St Sepulchre is famous for its peal of 12 bells. Lunchtime concerts are held on Tue and Wed.

• Holborn Viaduct EC1

• Open noon–2pm Tue–Thu, 11am–3pm Wed

• Free

St Katherine Cree

One of eight churches to survive the Great Fire, it dates from about 1630. Purcell and Handel both played on its organ.

• Leadenhall Street EC3

• Open 10:30am–4:30pm Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri

• Free

St Magnus the Martyr

Designed by Wren in the 1670s, the church retains his elegant pulpit. Regular recitals take place throughout the year.

• Lower Thames Street EC3

• Open 10am–4pm Tue–Fri, 10am–1pm Sun

• Free

All Hallows by the Tower

Take a 40-minute guided tour of the church, which dates from Saxon times.

• Byward Street EC3

• Open 9am–5:30pm Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm Sat, 1–5pm Sun

• Free

St Stephen Walbrook

The Lord Mayor’s parish church is considered to be Wren’s finest.

• Walbrook EC4

• Open 10am–4pm Mon–Thu, 10am–3pm Fri

• Free

St Anne and St Agnes

This Lutheran church has a long tradition in music (especially Baroque). Lunchtime concerts are held on Mon and Fri.

• Gresham Street EC2

• Open 10am–4pm Mon–Fri, services on Sun

• Free

St Lawrence Jewry

Beautiful stained glass windows of historic figures are the highlight here.

• Guildhall EC2

• Open 7:30am–2pm daily

• Free

St John

A delightful restaurant serving excellent British food. Delicious light bar meals available .

• 26 St John Street EC1

• 020 7251 0848

• Disabled access to bar but not to restaurant or toilets

Top Floor at Smiths of Smithfield

This warehouse restaurant serves meat market specials . A café on the ground floor turns into a bar in the evening and there is an informal restaurant on the second floor.

• 66–77 Charterhouse Street EC1

• 020 7251 7950

Club Gascon

Top-notch
cuisine from south­west France. Pick three or four “taster” dishes,
such as venison scallops, or there is a five-course gourmet “tasting”
menu, including wines.

• 57 West Smithfield EC1

• 020 7796 0600

Sweetings

This
is a lunchtime haven for fish lovers. Starters such as potted shrimp
are followed by plaice and Dover sole. Desserts include bread-and-butter
pudding.

• 39 Queen Victoria Street EC4

• 020 7248 3062

• No credit cards

Sauterelle

Stylish French dining in the gallery of the City’s Royal Exchange.

• Royal Exchange EC3

• 020 7618 2483

Eastway @ Andaz

Contemporary, but hearty dishes, from lamb to hamburger, are served in this lively city eaterie.

• 40 Liverpool Street EC2

• 020 7618 7400

1 Lombard Street

This Michelin-starred restaurant serves exquisite modern dishes.

• 1 Lombard Street EC3

• 020 7929 6611

The Place Below

Popular lunchtime canteen in the crypt of St Mary-le-Bow church.

• Cheapside EC2

• 020 7329 0789

Shaw’s Booksellers

Quirky pub and bar with a splendid array of beers and wines.

• 31–34 St Andrew’s Hill EC4

• 020 7489 7999

Vertigo 42

Take in the incredible views at this ostentatious, sky-scraping champagne bar on the 42nd floor.

• Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street EC2

• 020 7877 7842