34 Neal Street,
Covent Garden,
WC2H 9PS
0872 148 0356
The ViewLondon Review
This funky little cafe in Covent Garden’s uber-trendy Seven Dials area is hiding a secret.The VenueBehind its colourful walls, vintage posters and homey bric-a-brac-style decor, Cafe Eterno is run by Christian church group London City Mission. You wouldn’t know it just to look at it, though – the interior fits in perfectly with the neighbourhood’s coolest cafes, and instead of religious pamphlets you’ll find the latest nightclub listings scattered across the tables.
The AtmosphereAlthough Cafe Eterno plays host to services a few times a week, the usual clientele is run of the mill office workers and Covent Garden tourists. It’s a decent place to grab a cup of coffee and chat with friends around the decoupaged tables or comfy brown sofas.
The FoodSandwiches and standard cafe fare. Choose from paninis, baguettes and ciabattas with a variety of fillings including brie and cranberry, spicy chicken, bacon, brie and chutney and goats cheese and roasted tomatoes. Both meat-eaters and vegetarians are equally well represented, with a host of choices for everyone. The sandwiches aren’t particularly special but they arrive fast and cost just a few pounds.
The DrinkNo alcohol here, and coffee seems to be the biggest seller. There several different types available, as well as pots of tea, sodas and natural juice.
The Last WordDon’t let the religious angle stop you if it’s not your thing - Cafe Eterno is a perfectly cheap and cheerful place for lunch.