The Sanctuary Cafe N W Ltd

St James Church, 2 Sherriff Rd, London NW6 2AP, United Kingdom
+44 20 7625 1184
$$$ Cafe
(41 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to The Sanctuary Cafe N W Ltd, a delightful oasis nestled within the historic St James Church in London. This unique cafe offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere where the aroma of expertly brewed coffee mingles with the subtle tranquility of its surroundings. Perfectly positioned for families, it features a dedicated children's play area, making it an ideal spot for parents to unwind while their little ones indulge in fun and games.

One of the standout aspects of The Sanctuary Cafe is its multifunctional space. Imagine sipping your favorite latte as sunlight streams through stained glass windows, all while your children explore the safe, soft play area. This cafe is not just a place to grab a bite; it’s a community hub where friends gather and families connect. Customers like Mathew Wilkins appreciate the thoughtful amenities, noting the available high chairs and changing facilities that cater to families with small children. The small book lending library adds to the sense of warmth and togetherness, inviting patrons to relax with a good read alongside their tasty snacks and sweet treats.

The menu may lean towards lighter fare with an array of delightful cakes, pastries, and snacks that will delight your palate. Each bite of their carrot cake is a symphony of flavors—a perfect blend of moistness and spice, topped with a creamy frosting that leaves you reaching for more. Additionally, you'll find a variety of hot and cold beverages, including delicious coffee crafted from high-quality beans, ensuring that every sip is satisfying.

What really triumphs here, as shared by Andri and Rory O'Brien, is the welcoming vibe and the strong sense of community. Many patrons appreciate not only the nourishing treats but also the friendly service. With an LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere and plenty of seating options—both at communal tables and cozy sofas—it's a space where you can feel at home, whether you're alone or with friends.

While The Sanctuary Cafe currently focuses on snacks and light bites, there are whispers of expanding the menu to include hot meals in the future, as highlighted by customers like Tenille Reid. The potential for growth excites regulars who are eager for more culinary offerings.

Overall, The Sanctuary Cafe N W Ltd isn't just a cafe; it's a charming destination where community spirit thrives. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee on your way to the nearby post office or settling in for a leisurely afternoon with a friend surrounded by laughter and joy, this cafe represents a delightful blend of the sacred and the social. Make sure to pay a visit—you may find yourself returning again and again to this lovely sanctuary.

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Quick bite
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours

Monday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

41 Reviews
Mathew Wilkins

20 Sep 2025

A multi-functional place located inside a church, a great place to go if you have small children as there is a slide / ball area (extra cost). Nice coffees and snacks (mainly cakes). There is also a small book lending library. The local post office is also located at this site.

Andri

28 Aug 2025

Niiice Church , coffee , booze . There’s a kids playground so it is a perfect place for those with children .

TENILLE REID

20 Aug 2025

Great time here with my son and friends. Great place to catch up If you have older children, they have a large soft play area. They have high chairs for feeding and toilet facilities. Only negative is that they dont have hot food, only snacks but they did say they are working on this so fingers crossed. Definitely recommend !

Muge BN

21 Jul 2025

Nice cafe in the church with plenty of seating. They have many different snacks, food options and milk alternatives.

Rory O'Brien

17 Jul 2025

Great place to go with kids. Can have a coffee and have them enjoy the play area (not without direct supervision though if they are under 5). Only thing it the play area is rented out to group half the time so you really have to be there at the right time or you cannot use it.

Sam Aroo

17 Jun 2025

Nice little place inside the church. Popular with mums given the childs play area. Nice coffee and interesting setting inside a church. Adjoining post office is very convenient. LGBTQ friendly.

Adam C

12 Jun 2025

Nothing special, just a cafe inside a church! Pretty good latte and carrot cake and very friendly staff here the day I went. The atmosphere would be even better without the kids’ playpen and with a little better music but still worth coming to for the novelty. Supposedly it gets busy with moms and kids (for said playpen) but it was nice and quiet when I went.

Izzy R

10 Jun 2025

This cafe is excellent. The cake is always *delicious*, and there is a wide range of hot and cold drinks and sandwiches. Lots of seating, both at tables and on sofas, and you will always find somewhere to sit. Great wifi makes this a good place to work if you don't mind kids running around/music playing in the cafe. It really is a sanctuary - and extra lovely if you can bag a seat next to one of the big heaters! Thank you St James Church for offering the use of your beautiful space.

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