Secret rituals to symbols on lattes: Metro goes inside the Freemasons Grand Lodge

Items needed for Freemason rituals were on display in some rooms (Picture: Nick Edwards) It is a building famed for its secrecy and hidden rituals, but I walked straight inside. And so did my photographer. In fact, anyone can saunter in and buy one of the cheapest pints in London, or a coffee with latte art resembling the infamous square and compass. Metro was invited into the United Grand Lodge of England, home to the country’s 170,000 Freemasons, who have been at the centre of wild conspiracies for centuries. We saw inside the rooms and corridors where members practice ‘play-like’ ceremonies and form lifelong bonds, while raising millions for charity. Our guides were two Freemasons at the centre of the United Grand Lodge (UGLE)’s efforts to attract young members to their ranks. You can g