Covent Garden is one of my favourite haunts in Central London, lets face it when I say we are popping somewhere nine times out of ten it will be in Central London or Mayfair, let’s just set the expectation. Its quick and easy to get to and there will always be something to do, eat, see, drink and shop.
Covent Garden is one of those places where you can stay in and do everything including get travel luggage and the best damn coffee in London; Monmouth coffee, before heading home. It is away from the even more chaotic Leicester Square (pronounced LESTER square for my American mates), it is a market place surrounded by some of the very best of what to do in London. Including see the iconic offices of The Lady… whatever that means to you. It is intriguing and historic, a place for all reasons; girls night? Late night shopping? Opera? Theatre? Good food? Check on all fronts.
It is the place you take in the quirks of London and the back cobbled streets. It is where you get make up and good hats and really good authentic Jamaican patties and ice cream, proper gelato.
BALTHAZAR, COVENT GARDEN
THE SHORT STOP:
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE: Catch the performance of the Nutcracker, at the time of going to press there aren’t any tickets available for but they have a run of live shows in select cinemas in and around London. So keep an eye out.
THE LION KING: Take the kids, take the family, take everybody this is one show not to ever be missed in Covent Garden. A spectacular show in both character and scene.
EATs:
BUSABA: Busaba picks up where Wagamama left off, authentic Thai restaurant, great price point. The food is good, really good.
FLAT IRON STEAK: The steaks here are pretty damn good and it gives Hawksmoor a good run for its money.
10 CASES: A wine bistro with the simple ethos to sell good wine at fair prices. The food menu changes on a monthly basis; 3 starters 3 mains 3 desserts a coterie of tapas style dishes and specials on the day.
CASANOVA & DAUGHTERS: A taste of Sicily right in the heart of London. Also the perfect spot to pick up the perfect hostess gift. Olive Oil because every kitchen deserved one.
WHITE PINE: Something quick, easy and healthy; their juices are just what the doctor ordered, also drop by for Nordic items for the home
JAMAICA PATTY: The place that Covent Garden needed to feel complete there are patties of course but there is also rum cake and blue mountain coffee its the perfect, perfect spot.
THE BARBARY: I adore this eatery in Neal’s Yard, a fusion of middle eastern cultures and foraging it seeks only to use seasonal ingredients, making food as fuss free as possible.
La Gelataria: ice cream is my love language and I will find any good ice cream spot wherever I am, and this is bloody brilliant.
COVENT GARDEN, LONDON
BIT & BOBS
Glossier: Its glossier, its got good bits it’s the quintessential pink that we love and it’s a really lovely space to be in. glossier makeup is for us girls who have no clue how to contour but can just about getaway with skin tint and good liquid liner.
Jo Malone: My happy place on my second favourite street in Covent Garden, or my third depending on the day.
DIptyque: A small but perfect salon to get your home scents and be indulged and on a good corner a hair pin away from the piazza.
Kate Spade: Because who does not love Kate Spade?
Seven Dials Market: Go for the food, stay for the food, the atmosphere, the food oh my God the food… the flavours that wake you up, nothing here is bland.
Laird Hatter: Hats, who knew I needed a shop for hats? Go here for hats.
Favourite strip:
Adam Street: Its where a lot of scenes are shot in London, a pretty street with a good steak place that is undisturbed.
New Row: This is the perfect spot away from Carnaby street that is hippier and more chill and a lot less gimmicky.
Henrietta street: I love this for its range of what it has to offer, food, drinks, clothes, make up… the works.