St Michael closed in 1971, and stood empty until the Trust took it on.

Its initial use was as an antiques market, with a café in the chancel. When this came to an end, it was taken over by the SPCK bookshop in 2004, which continued the café. It then became the independent Revelation Christian bookshop and tea rooms, hosting a range of talks and events, until 2024.

In 2026 St Michael at Plea reopened as The Church piano bar, with infra-red chandelier heaters that are very much in keeping with the church setting, and a grand piano bringing music back into this beautiful building.   

The clock is chiming once more, whilst its face has been renovated, the faded pink transformed into blue, in keeping with its Forget-Me-Not inscription.