Looking for a great place to enjoy a coffee and / or lunch? Want to avoid the large chains? Our Food for Thought series will offer you insight into cafés that provide good food and drink whilst helping others.
The Sanctuary café
Address: Sherriff Centre, St James’ Church, Sherriff Road Open to the public: 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday Free WiFi is available. Website: www.thesherriffcentre.co.uk/the-sanctuary-cafeThe Sanctuary café is located within St James’ Church (a listed and functioning Church), along with a Post Office, stationary shop, delicatessen, and Children’s Soft Play Centre.
St James’ Church
All profit from the café (and the other commercial outlets within the Church) will be used by The Sherriff Centre Charity to provide support and care for older residents, young families and for those facing challenges in their lives.
Food & drink
The café offers breakfast, lunch, light bites, cakes, pastries, a children’s menu, and a full range of hot and cold drinks. There is good varied seating available, with plenty of space for buggies for those who have young children.
Delicious chocolate brownie at The Sanctuary cafe
What’s nearby?
Hampstead Heath is a 20 – 30 minute walk away.
The Lexi Cinema, Kensal Rise is a 20 – 30 minute walk away. It is the UK’s first social enterprise independent boutique digital cinema donates 100% of profits to charity and are staffed predominantly by passionate local volunteers.
Overall
The Sanctuary café is a unique place. It’s a lively café, particularly because of the children’s soft play area. The beautiful setting gives the café an interesting atmosphere, one of peace and tranquil but also life and energy. There is no pressure to visit or pray in the Church, and it really does feel inclusive to everyone. Despite being busy there is no pressure to hurry from staff, so it would be easy to spend a few hours here. A community hub; great for people watching.
