Covent Garden Area Guide – Food, Shopping and Culture

Covent Garden is possibly certainly my favourite London neighbourhood. Not only is it charming with cobbled streets leading off the main piazza and the floral displays all over but it’s also a one-stop destination for shopping, eating and drinking, entertainment and culture. Having been there recently, I thought of putting together a little Covent Garden Area Guide and giving a tour of what I was up to 🙂

Join me as I show you the best places to see, things to do, where to eat, drink and play in this bustling district that’s a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Being centrally located and easily accessible make it an ideal base for those on a London sightseeing trip. Whether you’re an out of town visitor or looking for a little staycation, there are plenty of hotels near Covent Garden to rest your head and those tired bones once you’ve explored everything that this area has to offer 🙂

Food & Drinks

From casual cafes and restaurants to fine dining options, Covent Garden is a foodie paradise. And if it’s a tipple you’re after, you will be spoilt for choice too.

Breakfast at La Goccia

Petersham Nurseries is one of my absolute favourite shops. Every time I walk in I am amazed by the elegant and aesthetically-pleasing way of displaying the home decor products surrounded and accentuated by green plants and vibrant flowers. They also have dining options with two restaurants, a bar, a wine cellar and a delicatessen on their premises. When I found that they have recently started offering breakfast at their restaurant La Goccia, I couldn’t wait to try it.

Getting a table for two was easy, I booked online at a day’s notice. I had never been to Covent Garden that early in the day and I was surprised by how quiet and empty it was. Slowly stirring to life! Taking full advantage of the beautiful summer that we are seeing in the UK, La Goccia had laid out the tables in the Floral Street Courtyard. As soon as I entered, I knew I was in for a treat. More like a retreat actually 😉 It was a verdant urban oasis!

Surrounded by lush greenery amidst the sounds of chirping birds, it was easy to forget about everything else and simply savour the delicious food cooked to perfection in this al fresco idyllic setting.

Address: Floral St, London WC2E 9DS

Read: Bobbi Brown themed Afternoon Tea at Balthazar

Shopping

The Shop at Petersham Nurseries

Sufficiently fuelled, we entered the elegant world of the Shop at Petersham Nurseries. It was now time to ooh and aah over the Venetian glassware, the colourful blooms, the skylight and the chandeliers that exude an old-world glamour and charm.

Floral Street Fragrance

Right next door is the gorgeous Floral Street Fragrance shop. Beautifully designed from floor to ceiling, even the walls are worth looking at. The concept of this store was inspired by a street in Covent Garden (Floral Street – surprise, surprise 😉 ) and the fact that Covent Garden used to have a big flower market back in the days. All the fragrances are modern and exclusively floral, ranging from fresh and fruity to warm and deep.

I was helped by Eli in choosing the right fragrance for me as she explained to me each perfume in the range and helped me decide when I was torn between two (London Poppy and Neon Rose).

I finally bought the Neon Rose because it’s a very clean, fresh floral scent and cheekily, is not true to its name at all. It does not have actually have any roses 😀 The main notes, in fact, are peach, cyclamen and sichuan pepper! Eli sprayed them each on little tester strips, placed them on a stand and asked me to rotate and smell the bouquet of fragrance that they created together. Such a lovely touch!

Address: 30 King St, London WC2E 8JD

The shopping scene in Covent Garden is amazing with a plethora of brands, both high-street and high-end, spread throughout the areas of the Piazza, Long Acre, Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard. There are also some concept stores worth checking out, even if just to window shop 🙂

The Shop at Bluebird

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Address: Carriage Hall, Floral St, London WC2E 9DP

Galeria Melissa

Address: 43 King St, London WC2E 8JY

Linda Farrow

Address: 11, Royal Opera House Arcade, The Piazza, Covent Garden WC2E 8HD

And if you’re in the mood to pick up a souvenir, why not check out the three markets in the area – Apple, East Colonnade and Jubilee Market.

Culture

Home to many theatres, museums and galleries, Covent Garden is a cultural hub. The National Portrait Gallery and Somerset House are at a walking distance and the Royal Opera House is set in the heart of Covent Garden.

There’s plenty of street entertainment too which you will find as you walk around. Singers, musicians, performers – you are bound to find buskers you enjoy.

London Transport Museum

I have been using the London Underground Tube system for over 7 years now and it was about time I visited the museum dedicated to explaining the history and evolution of various modes of transportation that London has seen.

In a short time, London Transport Museum took me on a journey of London’s transport from 1800’s to present day with life size models, informational posters and simulators. At £17.50 a ticket, I found it to be a bit expensive but it’s definitely a great experience for children (under 18 go free).

Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB

Now, now – I know I have already covered the food section, but I was a bit peckish after all that walking.

Lunch at Cinnamon Bazar

Cinnamon Bazaar is a part of Chef Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Club of restaurants and bars. The restaurant decor is spot on with rich and bold colours, plants hanging from the ceiling and the pink, teal and gold patterned walls.

The menu has been designed drawing influences from the bazaars (or markets) from India to the Middle East. Everything on it looked tempting but we ordered the Jodhpuri Kachori Chaat and Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani. While the biryani was spicy, fragrant and beautifully balanced, it was the Chaat that stole the show. The balance of savoury, sour and sweet was perfect. Unarguably, one of the best I have eaten in London!

With that late light lunch, it was time to call it a day. I hope you enjoyed this tour of Covent Garden with me! Let me know in the comments below 🙂

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Cheers,
Ameeta xx

Disclaimer: This post was made in collaboration with Hotels.com. However, all opinions are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission from the website, at no additional cost to you.