Benugo - The Cellarium Cafe and Terrace

We went when it opened, it was very calm and quiet, and a very nice escape from the heat. Kind staff, good breakfast! Very reasonable prices considering location.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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 unforgettable experience!

Great breakfast spot in a historic area. I really recommend the pancakes for breakfast. The staff were also very kind and accommodating

Cellarium Café & Terrace is a charming dining spot located within the historic grounds of Westminster Abbey in London. Known for its unique setting, the café occupies a former 14th-century cellarium, which adds a sense of history and character to the dining experience. The interior features an elegant design with stone arches and a warm atmosphere, making it an inviting place for visitors. The menu offers a selection of seasonal dishes, including breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Overall, Cellarium Café & Terrace is a delightful place to relax and refuel, especially for those exploring the iconic Westminster Abbey and its rich history.

For a warm, hearty afternoon lunch on a chilly day, the Cellarium Café & Terrace checked my boxes. I could hardly finish the entire order, even with the help of my dining companion! I chose the orzo pasta, mixed leaves salad, with heritage tomatoes and avocado, a vegan-friendly option. Mostly salad and vegetable with some orzo pasta sprinkled in for texture and flavor, I savored the results. The balsamic dressing blended with the juicy tomato and hearty avocado to produce a thoroughly filling entrée. I also sampled some of my traveling companion's Mushroom Soup of the Day, which carried a warm, hearty, granulated texture--perfect for a cold day in March. On the side, my traveling companion and I split the Cream Tea, which, in my opinion, is the Cellarium's real show-stopper. Simple and sweet, the scones carry an almost biscuit-like texture with soft interiors and lightly crusted exteriors. Spread with buttery clotted cream and fruity-tart jam, they went down beautifully over sips of earthy English Breakfast tea. If you're touring Westminster Abbey, the Cellarium serves as an excellent luncheon grounds, if, for nothing else, because the space dates back to the 4th century where the monks kept their stores of food and drink. That, and you're helping to support the establishment itself, which ought to make every bite a bit sweeter and more savory.

I had a lovely experience here with my step mum, dad and aunty. Food was delicious (Pumpkin quiche was my favourite), service was excellent, atmosphere was pleasant. Waiters were really awesome, very helpful. We moved tables, send back desserts for more stickey toffee pudding sauce, and they kept their cool. Joe the French waiter is the best! Merci beaucoup.

A somewhat hidden gem. The public entrance was through Dean's Yard, a private home living area, but just let the guard know you're going to the Cellarium. We were seated about 9 AM on a Tuesday morning in a beautiful room. We both had the bacon sandwich with fried egg added. It was wonderful. The bread itself was soft and perfect for me. There was plenty of bacon too. Sounds like a simple sandwich, but it was just really good! I loved this little off the usual trail restaurant.

Hidden gem in central London . Inside of Westminster Abbey. There is an entrance in case you already visited the Abbey already. Delicious menu. I went for Vegan mushroom toast and it was delicious

Very good food, atmosphere with awful service, 1 person serving 25 people is not acceptable, truly awful.

Afternoon tea is a wonderful experience here. Scones are tasty, tea is fresh, and service is friendly. A lovely way to spend an afternoon visiting with my family.

We enjoyed the high tea service. Having high tea in Westminster Abbey was quite a magical experience. The items served were all exquisite and the tea was perfect.

This place seriously ticks all the boxes! Gorgeous architecture, delicious food, friendly staff. Shoutout to superstar Hannah who was so lovely and made sure I had the option of moving from a shared table to a single table when it became available! Definitely keen to go back 🥰

Had lunch after a great visit to the Abbey. Food was delicious - ordered the smoked trout and my friend had the duck pate. Great service and menu suggestions. Also tried an English sparkling wine Riverview Cavendish - turkey delicious accompaniment to lunch. Love quiet ambience away from the throngs of tourists.

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 heart of London.

A hidden gem in in Westminster Abbey. Fabulous food. Exceptional service very reasonable prices. The setting is amazing in historic previous monastery. The experience was delightful. My wife and I had Sunday Roast. Food was exceptional Reservations are suggested but not necessary

This was a last mintue selection as we were visiting The House of Commons for the day and wanted somewhere bright memorable but not with overly expensive for London. This place was light and the staff were attentive, informative and friendly. The dishes were light but healthy and tasty. Upon arrival we noticed a large table of 12 finishing there meal and the staff were very accommodating with couples paying for there meals separately. The menu is limited and the atmosphere bright like the location. The establishment had seating for approximately 35/40 people max. The house Red was reasonable priced as were the lunch time meals. We both had the chicken toasted sandwich with rocket + basil and chips and a carafe of red wine. Total bill came to just over £60 which for London was reasonable as it is only 5 minutes walk from The House of Commons. Please note that they close at 3.30pm on the Friday. The location is on the roof tops with a partial glass roof which allowed for plenty of light to stream in as well as providing a great view of the roof top scenery of church and other historical buildings. Lastly the toilets were clean well lit and in good order

A perfect place to stop for a bite to eat after exploring the Abbey. The food was very good and service very fast. I am not sure if it takes reservations as I walked in and was seated almost right away, but by the time I was finished I saw a slight line.

This is a nice spot to end your tour of the Abbey. We had sandwiches and salads - and tea, of course! We felt like we were eating in the kitchen of Downton Abbey!

Delicious and classy high tea, and great menu options, in the Westminster Abbey. Enjoyed tea far more than I thought I would. They have a Christmas tea too.

The food was surprisingly good (especially the lentil & chickpeas soup), not great, but given the location we expected it to be more of a tourist trap. Wouldn't come back, but it did the job as we were on a rush between the visits from Abbey to the Parliament and there are not plenty options in the area.

I went before the lunchtime rush. It's located at the back of Westminster Abbey, and it's accessed via a quiet courtyard. I had a courgette, broccoli, basil gnocchi, which was presented nicely and was delicious. The blueberry compote cheesecake was also very good. The single shot espresso in contrast was a little disappointing. The service was good and they all worked as swift as they could and were attentive enough. A little pricey but no surprise for the location it was in.

Food was good. The eggs are done moist and fluffy (they seem to undercook on purpose and maybe added milk?). The eggs Benedict was good, but served a warm not hot (would be nice if they preheated the plates before serving food). Overall a good place to eat. It’s located inside another building that at first seems like you can’t get to it but they allow you to eat here even if you don’t have tickets to the abbey just have to let them know when security is checking your bags for entry.

We've found this place by chance. Some of the waiters were Polish and it was a nice surprise, we could get good recommendations. Food was tasty, especially the dessert that looks like flower pot. Nice overall vibe, as it's inside the abbey. However, I feel it was a bit pricey.

If I could have given 3.5 stars I would. This place is totally fine. Service is good and food is decent. Nothing to go out of your way to have. If you are in the area it’s not a bad option. I was here during their VE celebrations.

Coming here on my visit to the Westminster abbey. Beautiful cafe, nice food. I did not like a lot the desert but nice ambient.

Great servise, very friendly staff. The prices were a bit higher but that is expected. Vegan options which is a big advantage. Recommend making a reservation in advance

I went in January and ordered a quiche when my group went after a tour of Westminster Abbey. Quiche was quite good, but sort of expensive. The chips I stole from my group members were quite good as well. I love the vaulted ceilings and cozy, dim environment. I would go to other restaurants in London before this but it is certainly not a bad choice if you want to stay around Westminster Abbey!

Breakfast was incredibly mediocre. Coffee was below average. A+ for the location which is just next to the Abbey.

Never thought any place could get a bacon or sausage sandwich wrong. I was wrong. We were a party of 3, One had the pancakes and it looks amazing, he gave it a 9.4 out of 10. Jealous of him. Other had a bacon sandwich, I had the sausage sandwich. They were edible, but they unnecessarily over toasted the buns, so the buns were crumbling, dry and tasted of charcoal. No butter to help with the dryness. My friend had to send her bacon sandwich back and asked for an untoasted bun, which did only take a couple of minutes. She said it was nicer that way. I braved on and finished mine, like an idiot. The price for 3 light breakfast and 3 hot drinks came to just under £40 (including service charge). They refused to allow us to split the bill insisting on a single payment. The toilet was nice though.

Went for a late brunch, even though it was Saturday it was luckily not too busy at this time. The location is literally inside the abbey which is very unique. I had the eggs Benedict with Scottish salmon. It was tasty but didn’t come out very warm. Ordered hashbrowns on the side and it was just one small hashbrown triangle. Would say visit the abbey but have breakfast elsewhere.

There was a 10 minute wait for a table however it was not overcrowded once inside. I ordered the pork chop with potatoes, which tasted nice however the quantity was small for the price. The carrot cake was very good. The service was quite slow and the table service etiquette was slightly lacking. A beautiful and airy room for a coffee.

Location and decor very nice and cosy but also cool. Food itself is quite basic and very expensive for what they serve. New york sandwich looked good and tasted good but not worth £9.50. Orzo salad was nice but again very simple and could definitely make myself at home. Menu range very small.

Average spot for lunch - the meal pictured was nothing flavourful nor flavourless. Otherwise, the sandwiches and chips are a good option to go for. Service is always very attentive.

Bit of a mixed experience due to one bad waiter, but overall a very nice place. The service was, for the most part, great (especially the gentleman with glasses who took our orders), and the food was enjoyable. Sadly, the experience was mostly ruined by the waiter who took our payment. The man, quite tall, dark haired, with beard, was very aggressive. He evidently misheard us when we told him the amount we wished to pay, which can happen and wouldn't have really been an issue, but when we mentioned this to him he got very defensive, insisted this was the amount we had requested, sighed heavily multiple times, loomed over us, and was generally quite curt. I understand that anyone can have a bad day, but this really made us uncomfortable, and it would have been a non-issue if he hadn't reacted so badly.

Service is slow but the prices for the location is decent. Ordered the salmon. It was a bit dry and the root vegetables were sandy. The root was still attached. For the price, it’s not bad considering how airy and quiet the cafe is. Still water is £2.75 per bottle and pots of tea are £3.

The food was not particularly special. The salmon cakes were average, like you can make at home. The pasta was bland and also nothing spectacular. Service was poor. They mixed us up with another table twice. I watched the server drop a napkin on the floor, then use it to wipe crumbs off a table, then he got a wash rag and lightly washed it and then put the exact same napkin on the table for a guest to use. Very unsanitary. They were not friendly. Incorrectly tallied the bill as well. Though the setting was lovely and beautiful, I would not recommend this restaurant.

Some servers need to calm down. I asked one of them for a tea, she stared at my face as if I had offended her. Then I confirmed "English breakfast tea" and she gave a sarcastic laugh as if saying "well now we're talking". A tea means English Breakfast. Or just confirm "Would X be ok?". When I asked if I could have in a takeaway cup I just got a straight "No" while shaking her head and walking out. No ifs or buts. It was half an hours before close. Which means it was still open. Politeness goes a long way.

The meal was delicious, but the checkout experience was terrible. I told the waiter to split the bill, which was completely different from what I agreed to. She assumed that splitting the bill meant splitting it in half, so the £43 bill became £22 each. She told me there was no way to split the bill and then add the service charge. How would it be calculated for a single person? It's ridiculous. This simple little problem is perfectly solved elsewhere. Some restaurants only give one receipt and then add the service charge to the bill separately. It's not that this place can't do that; it's just that she didn't want to bother with it. I'll only be going there once, but congratulations! I'll spread the word. Never go to this place because they don't want to serve!

Food was nice but over priced Service was awful male, grey clothing /glasses acting manager/team leader really sarcastic ( he overheard us saying about the staff (mainly him) and the time it took to get seated in an almost empty restaurant and said loudly in front of other customers "ohh im sorry to hear that good bye and merry xmas" was ridiculous ,he shouted up the stairs abruptly 2 female names one Came down still chewing her food,she was obviously on her break my teapot was leakig and cracked staff especially him really need some training in customer service and people skills they way he talked to a lovely waitress was disgusting Atmosphere was bad because it felt rushed and staf seemed stressed and miserable

Can honestly we were very disappointed when we had Afternoon Tea in the restaurant. One finger of a sandwich each (no choice on filing) which the bread was stale and dry, one very tiny scone each and one very small piece of cake. The worst afternoon tea we have ever experienced. Most of our group thought the same. Will not be returning sorry