Sacred Grounds

The opening of Sacred Grounds, visited in its first week by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Patricia McAllister, and in its second by the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, is the result of a huge amount of work by our Operations Manager (and now also Café Manager) Jake Lee.

Using the space occupied by the youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint, until their departure last Summer, the coffee shop gives the church a stronger presence on Dean Street and the ability to extend its ministry and engagement with the wider community.

Of course, we know that starting a new venture in the month when Soho is at its quietest and coldest might not seem the obvious thing to do (unfortunately also coinciding with the Diocese covering the place in scaffolding so as to inspect and hopefully replace the rectory roof!). However, in spite of this the footfall is steadily growing, just as the coffee is flowing, and the response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic and positive.

Jake has assembled a terrific team of friendly expert baristas and sourced what must be the largest (and most delicious) pastries in the West End, delivered fresh in the early hours of each morning. Several people have commented on the reasonable prices and particularly that we serve an ‘everyday tea’ for £1. Congregation member Sebastiano makes our fresh lemonade and ginger shots whilst neighbouring award-winning baker Shuk provides our cakes. The striking collage of familiar faces as you come in is the work of photographer Magda, who usually cooks our Thursday ‘Soho Seniors’ lunch. We hope and pray that over time it will be a real gift to, and expression of, this community and all who call Soho ‘home’.