A Journey Through Belarusian Culture in London

London is a city where many cultures meet and influence each other. The Belarusian community may not be very large, but it has created important cultural spaces across the city. If we follow them step by step, we can see how Belarusian culture lives and develops in London today.

We can begin our journey in North London, in the area of North Finchley. Here stands the Church of St Cyril of Turau and All the Patron Saints of the Belarusian People. Built in 2016, the church follows traditional Belarusian wooden architecture and is the only wooden church built in London since the Great Fire of 1666. For many Belarusians, this place is not only about religion, but also about community, memory and belonging.

Right next to the church, the story continues at the Francis Skaryna Belarusian Library and Museum. This unique institution is the only library outside Belarus fully dedicated to Belarusian culture and history. Inside, visitors can find rare books, archives and historical materials that tell the story of Belarus and its people in exile. The library often becomes a meeting point for discussions, readings and cultural exchange.

From this quiet cultural corner in North London, we can move further into the city, where Belarusian culture takes a more public and artistic form. In central London, the Belarus Free Theatre represents a modern and powerful voice of Belarusian culture. Originally founded in Minsk as an independent theatre group, it was forced to continue its work in exile. Today, London is its main base. Through performances, the theatre speaks about freedom, identity and human rights, using art as a form of expression and resistance.

After experiencing Belarusian culture through history and theatre, the journey naturally leads to something more everyday — food. In areas such as Soho and Notting Hill, the restaurant ZIMA offers a taste of Eastern Europe. While it is not strictly Belarusian, its menu reflects the wider cultural region to which Belarus belongs. Traditional dishes like dumplings, cabbage rolls and salads are presented in a modern style, allowing visitors to connect with the culture through flavour and atmosphere.