It's been a while since the dark days of Covid, but the pandemic's effect on London's hospitality trade is still being felt. Popular South East London cafe Louie Louie was the most recent victim, having to close its restaurant on Walworth Road "mainly due to our landlord's intransigence by insisting on 100% of the rent throughout lockdown."
But when one door closes another opens, and for the Louie Louie team that's been the door of a crypt to a local church. No, this isn't a lead-in to a Halloween story, but more of a rising from the ashes one as Louie Louie becomes Saint Louie instead. They've gone into partnership with St Peter's Church in Walworth where they've relocated their bakery and cafe into the beautiful Grade 1 listed church (designed by none other than legendary architect Sir John Soane).
It's a lovely bit of karma for the cafe's team who worked with the church during lockdown to feed the parish's most vulnerable residents. "It is amazing that St Peter’s have literally now come to our rescue in our time of need," they say.
The new place will be run as a bakery and community cafe during the day, switching up to a supper club model at night. On offer will be regularly changing toasties, sandwiches, and soup with coffee by Redemption Roasters.
More about Saint Louie
Where is it? The Crypt at St Peter's Church Walworth, Liverpool Grove, London SE17 2HH
When does it open? 25 October 2023
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @saintlouie.london
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