A historic crypt in the very heart of London's financial district has been given a vibrant new lease of life. The much-loved Café Below, which served City workers for years beneath St Mary-le-Bow church on Bow Lane, has now been replaced by a new wine bar from the Humble Grape group. The venue opened its doors in November 2025, marking a significant change for the iconic space.
From Café to Crypt: A Venue Steeped in History
The transformation sees the 11th-century Norman crypt, famously rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, filled with the buzz of wine lovers rather than quiet contemplation. The site sits directly below the 'Bow Bells', the bells of St Mary-le-Bow in earshot of which true Cockneys are said to be born. Café Below's closure was attributed to shifting post-pandemic office routines, creating an opportunity for a new venture to take root in this extraordinary location.
Humble Grape, founded in 2009, is known for its accessible approach to fine wine, focusing on small-batch, sustainable producers. This is its seventh London venue and arguably its most atmospheric. The bar can accommodate up to 60 guests within its ancient, vaulted arches, creating an intimate and cosy setting perfect for a low-key evening.
Wine, Food and a Surprising Breakfast Menu
Visitors are presented with an extensive list of over 500 wines, with staff on hand to offer friendly, knowledgeable guidance. A glass of wine starts from £7. The food menu champions organic, locally sourced ingredients designed for sharing.
Notable dishes from the opening include:
- Crispy cauliflower with lime aioli and chilli ketchup.
- Cheese and charcuterie boards at £30, noted for their generous portions.
- Baked camembert with honey and hazelnuts for £18.50, highlighted as a particular favourite.
Small plates begin at £8.75, with mains starting from £20. Reflecting its City location, Humble Grape also offers an express lunch menu for office workers, providing two courses for £21 or three for £25. Perhaps most unexpectedly, the venue also serves breakfast, offering a surreal start to the day within the ancient stone walls.
A New Chapter for a City Landmark
While the departure of Café Below was keenly felt by its regulars, Humble Grape has successfully carved out a fresh identity for the crypt. It has transformed the space into a warm, inviting hideaway where history, quality wine, and modern British food converge. The bar joins Humble Grape's other London locations in Battersea, Islington, and Crouch End, bringing its distinctive, unpretentious ethos to one of the City's most unique settings.
