Cellarium Cafe & Terrace — Restaurant in London

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

The Cellarium Cafe & Terrace is a true hidden gem in the heart of Westminster, offering a delightful escape with its incredible food, charming atmosphere, and outstanding service. Tucked away within the historic Westminster Abbey precinct, this cafe blends history with modern comfort, making it a perfect spot for brunch, tea, or a relaxing meal.

Atmosphere and Setting

The setting is absolutely enchanting. The cafe occupies a beautifully restored medieval cellar with high stone ceilings, elegant archways, and soft lighting. The historic charm is complemented by tasteful modern touches, creating a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance. If the weather is pleasant, the terrace is a wonderful option — a peaceful outdoor space where you can enjoy your meal while taking in views of Westminster Abbey. It’s a serene spot to relax away from the bustling city crowds.

Brunch Perfection

I visited the Cellarium Cafe for brunch, and it exceeded all expectations. The menu offers a delightful range of classic and contemporary options, with something to suit every taste. I ordered the Eggs Benedict and was blown away by the quality. The poached eggs were perfectly cooked, with velvety hollandaise sauce and a crisp English muffin beneath. The bacon was thick and flavorful, adding a lovely smoky note to the dish. My companion had the avocado toast with poached eggs, which was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor.

The portion sizes were generous without being overwhelming, and the ingredients tasted fresh and high-quality. Everything was seasoned to perfection, and the presentation was elegant without being fussy.

Delightful Afternoon Tea

The Cellarium Cafe is also an excellent spot for a traditional afternoon tea. The selection of finger sandwiches, fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, and delicate pastries was outstanding. The sandwiches — including classics like smoked salmon and cucumber — were light and delicious. The scones were freshly baked, warm, and crumbly, just as they should be. The assortment of pastries was delightful, with each bite offering a burst of flavor and texture.

The tea menu is extensive, featuring a range of traditional and specialty blends. The staff were more than happy to offer recommendations, and the tea was served with care and attention to detail. It was a truly relaxing and refined experience, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Exceptional Service

What sets the Cellarium Cafe apart is the excellent service. From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm, welcoming, and attentive without being intrusive. They greeted us with genuine smiles and made sure we were comfortable. Our orders were taken promptly, and the food arrived quickly. The servers were knowledgeable about the menu, offering suggestions and ensuring any dietary requirements were met. They struck the perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness, which added to the overall positive experience.

Final Thoughts

The Cellarium Cafe & Terrace is a perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy a quality meal in a unique, historic setting. Whether you’re there for a hearty brunch, a refined afternoon tea, or simply a cup of coffee and a pastry, you can expect excellent food, a charming atmosphere, and stellar service. It offers a wonderful respite in the heart of London, and the combination of history and modern comfort makes it a truly special experience.

I cannot recommend this cafe enough. If you’re visiting Westminster Abbey or just exploring the area, make sure to stop by. 5 out of 5 stars for an...

Misleading, disappointing, uneducated management and restaurant. I ordered 36.50 pound Afternoon Tea. It advertised "Assorted Macarons" are included but they're not - it's only 1 macroon the size of a small coin. I have a rare allicin allergy, and am most susceptible to getting sick with onion, plus an aversion to horseradish, so I asked if I could get 2 cucumber and 2 egg sandwiches instead of the onion tart and trout sandwich, which seemed like a cheaper alternative for this restaurant to provide. The manager refused. She told me she would provide an extra scone and macaroon instead. I told her I really didn't want extra sweets, so she asked what I wanted so that she could make me happy.  I told her I'd like 4 savourys like it's supposed to include such as the 2 cucumber and 2 egg sandwiches instead of more sweets and she refused again. So her suggestion of asking me what I wanted was ANOTHER misleading experience. I then asked her to suggest what I was supposed to do to experience the afternoon tea with my allergy and she insisted I accept her extra scone and macaroon. I asked her if that was her only option and she said yes.  So why ask what I want to make me happy? #misleading When she asked which tea I wanted, I said the orange rooibos (which is advertised on their menu), but they don't have any. I asked for honey to help keep my blood sugar from rapidly spiking and very little was provided. My dual purpose of asking for honey was to also avoid the open and exposed sugar bowl that didn't provide any utensils to extract it. #unsanitary When the afternoon tea tray came, I was surprised at how little food there was for 36 pounds. Not to mention this manager loaded up a pre-diabetic customer with sweets I specifically said I did not want, and unfortunately couldn't eat! But I wasn't going to sit in a restaurant and argue with an inexperienced, uncaring manager who clearly knows nothing about sustenance nor nutrition during my vacation. The smallest egg sandwich I have ever seen was the best I've ever had. The scone she insisted on doubling me up on are the worst in London: dry and flavorless. I felt like I was eating a bag of flour. #disappointing The cucumber sandwich is a tomato sandwich - you cannot taste anything but tomato even after scraping off the tomato tapenade that looks like it had chives in it (chives are onions that they didn't warn me about despite telling them I cannot consume onion, leek, scallions or chives). This restaurant is clearly only about self-serving profits and has hired/trained uneducated people to enforce it. There is zero thoughtfulness to customer requests.  It was do it their way, or no way. When they asked me how it was, I responded disappointing. The manager then took 3 pounds off my check as if that was going to help my newly raging blood sugar while still being hungry and still spending over 30 pounds on their lunch, and they exposed me to an allergy despite telling them about it. I had no idea that a cucumber and cream sandwich would be so overpowered with tomato and chives and apparently neither did they! Most of the customers around me appeared equally unhappy and had the cheaper 9 pound cream tea, although that also appears to only provide 1 very small scone per customer in spite of advertising "scones". So if you want the worst scone in London, that's probably your best option at this place if you'd like to eat flour in their basement where they pile customers on top of one another. Truly disguised medieval experience in...

The Cellarium Cafe, situated in the historic Westminster Abbey precincts, offers a delightful retreat within the heart of London. Nestled beside the impressive architecture of Westminster Abbey, this cafe seamlessly blends modern comfort with a touch of heritage.

The ambiance at The Cellarium is charming and serene. The combination of contemporary furnishings and the timeless backdrop of the abbey creates an inviting space. Whether you're seeking a tranquil spot for contemplation or a casual meeting place, the cafe's setting caters to a variety of preferences.

The menu at The Cellarium reflects a commitment to quality ingredients and classic British fare. From freshly baked pastries to hearty sandwiches, the offerings are well-executed and provide a satisfying range of options. The afternoon tea experience is a standout, offering a delightful assortment of treats in a picturesque setting.

The outdoor seating area adds an extra layer of appeal, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals or beverages amidst the historic surroundings. The view of the abbey serves as a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the overall dining experience.

While The Cellarium excels in ambiance and menu variety, it's worth noting that during peak hours, especially around lunchtime, the cafe can become quite busy. Planning visits during off-peak hours or making a reservation can enhance the overall experience.

Service at The Cellarium is generally attentive and friendly. The staff's knowledge of the menu and willingness to accommodate specific requests contribute to a positive and welcoming atmosphere.

In conclusion, The Cellarium Cafe offers a delightful escape for those exploring the Westminster Abbey area. Its fusion of modern comfort, historical surroundings, and a satisfying menu make it a charming destination for a leisurely meal, afternoon tea, or a moment of respite in the...