The Footstool Cafe

St John’s, Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA, United Kingdom
+44 20 7222 2779
$$$ Cafe
(82 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to The Footstool Cafe, a delightful refuge nestled in the gothic crypt of St John’s Smith Square in the heart of London. A charming escape from the bustling city above, this cafe invites you to step into a world where rich history meets cozy ambience. The Footstool Cafe isn't just a place to grab a bite; it's an experience to savor.

The unique setting, surrounded by ancient stone arches and soft lighting, creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages you to linger a little longer. The gentle hum of music from the concert venue upstairs adds a delightful backdrop, enveloping you in an immersive environment that feels both warm and welcoming. As you enter, you are greeted by the smiling faces of the staff, eager to make your visit enjoyable, as highlighted by customer Robert Simpson who appreciated the “warm and homely ambience” and the “amazing” customer service.

The menu at The Footstool Cafe is eclectic and thoughtfully curated, catering to all palates. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or a light snack, you’ll find something that tempts your taste buds. From delectable gluten-free cakes to savory dishes like the beetroot, feta, walnut, and puy lentil salad, each option showcases freshness and quality. As one satisfied diner, Elizabeth Stuart-Cairns, shared about her dining experience, the food is “delicious and freshly prepared,” making it the perfect choice for a post-tour lunch near iconic sites like Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

For those seeking a quick yet satisfying bite, the ham and cheese sandwich paired with crispy fries and a refreshing salad was a hit for Joe Steele, who called it the “just the thing for a cold rainy London winter day.” The versatility of the menu means there’s something to suit everyone, much appreciated by regular customers like Fred Brown, who rave about the “cozy interior” and wide range of options that never fail to impress.

Value is essential here, with pleasant prices that don’t skimp on quality, as noted by Edward Pym. Whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee, embracing the cafe’s delightful array of cakes, or settling down for a leisurely brunch, The Footstool Cafe stands out as a must-visit spot in Westminster.

If you're venturing into this vibrant area of London, make sure to carve out some time to relax in this hidden gem. The Footstool Cafe promises an experience that nourishes not just your body but also your spirit, making it a delightful addition to your journey through this historic part of the city.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Free water refills
Healthy options
Quick bite
Wine
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

82 Reviews
Julia W

02 Aug 2025

Great setting in the crypt of this lovely concert venue. Good range of cakes including gluten free options and good coffee.

Fred Brown

26 Jul 2025

Favorite place:) I like a lot: from the location, cozy interior and ending with a wide menu format for every taste! We tried many positions, basically everything is very tasty

Robert Simpson

14 Jul 2025

I made a quick visit to the Footstool Cafe (17/03/23 @1250) before a meeting. When entering, you are welcomed by a warm and homely ambience with the sounds of music playing from the stage upstairs. The young lady who was serving was so happy to talk whilst preparing the coffee. Her customer service was welcoming and amazing.

Edward Pym

13 Jul 2025

Pleasant cafe in the crypt underneath St John’s Smith Square. Very reasonable prices, and pleasant surroundings in the below-ground crypt. Recommended!

Joe Steele

24 Jun 2025

Cute cafe with attentive staff. Had a ham and cheese sandwich that was excellent. On the side was some fries and a salad. Just the thing for a cold rainy London winter day.

Elizabeth Stuart-Cairns

23 Jun 2025

Came across this gem last week during a guided tour of Westminster and returned for lunch afterwards. Two of us had the beetroot, feta, walnut & puy lentil salad and our friend had the leek pie. All the food was delicious and freshly prepared and brought to our table promptly. If you're anywhere near Parliament or Westminster Abbey, you really should seek it out!

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