Finnish Church Shop

The Finnish Church is much more a community centre with a church attached to it than the other way around. There’s a sauna, café/​cafeteria, shop, library, hostel and children’s play area. There is a lot of activity — especially on weekdays — for mothers and kids, and weekend activities for families and adults alike.
There are two main 4-​day events held every year: the Christmas Fair (November) and the Easter Fair (March/​April). These attract thousands of visitors, but few know that outside of these times, there’s a lot going on — and it’s often very delicious!
There’s a Finnish meal for £6 (£4 veg or £3 soup) on Saturdays, and often on weekdays (contingent on other activities). Then there’s always a basic café which serves sweet and savoury pastries and filter coffee and tea. Prices are very reasonable for London standards and the atmosphere is relaxing and homely. The church is a welcoming place for people, regardless of their background, and many come out of curiosity to try Finnish foods or to meet Finnish friends.

I loved the selection of items and easily spent £20 — but that’s mainly because it’s all pretty pricey, as you’d expect with imported food.
We were there during the Christmas fair and had to queue for half an hour to even enter the shop, and then it was so full all you could do was slowly shuffle.
Must try it again when it’s not heaving as I definitely want to try the café!

The Finnish Church hold a Christmas fête each year in Rotherhithe located just a couple of minutes walk from Rotherhithe or Canada Water stations. Well worth looking out for! A great opportunity to try Finnish food and beer in a friendly atmosphere. The church is very impressive inside as well.

This place is not for everyone, I know, but in case you are looking for a good rye bread, salt licorice, gloudberry jam or any other Finnish treat on mind — this is where you will find it.
The small shop is hidden inside the Finnish church in London, a well kept secret among the Finnish people. But the shop, as well the church, welcomes anyone and is open like any other shop.
The church offers it’s sauna for rent for either private or groups, in hourly based, great place to go warm up during the cold and rainy winters. The picture above is taken from the
websites.