I moved out of Greater London nearly 7 years ago and it’s gotten to the point where I feel like a tourist whenever I go back! So last week when I ventured into the capital, I spent some time exploring one of the top tourist spots, Covent Garden. And mate, I really underestimated how much cool stuff there is to do in the area!
So I’ve compiled a bumper list of some cool things to do in Covent Garden, some from my recent adventure and others from the archives. FYI my spending money last week was gifted by Hotels.com but all views are my own. But y’know, if you are venturing into London, head over there for Covent Garden Hotels. Just saying.
Ok, let’s do this.
Cool Things To Do In Covent Garden
Awesome Brunch
Grind – A fab spot for brunch is Grind. It’s a super instagrammable spot, serves the best pancakes I’ve EVER eaten and they even do bottomless brunch if you’re celebrating (or y’know just want unlimited prosecco, no judgement).
Bill’s – I know they have Bill’s all over the gaff, but they don’t have one near me so I do like going when I’m in London. There’s a big breakfast/brunch menu with lots of different options, and in my experience it’s all delicious. The Covent Garden one also has a lovely courtyard seating so it’s a winner.
Dishoom – Last week I FINALLY got around to trying the brunch at Dishoom and it really is amazing. It’s brunch with an Indian twist so expect delicious naan rolls in the place of bacon baps. The Vegan Bombay was awesome, as was the warming house chai. Definitely check it out.
Really Good Shopping
Rokit Vintage – Rokit is a big name in vintage and their Covent Garden shop is worth a gander. It’s the young and fashionable kind of vintage, so think retro sports brands, dungarees and cool shirts. I picked up a cute hair slide whilst I was there the other day, definitely some gems in there.
Pop Boutique – This is another vintage shop, but this one seemed more my style with floaty dresses and culottes and jackets. All very wearable stuff, and totally affordable. Right up my street.
Blackout II – Ok, ok, this is my last vintage shop, but Blackout II is proper vintage. Think cocktail dresses from the 50’s and some fancy pieces from the 40’s. It’s pricey but if you love vintage, you’ll love having a look around.
Sass & Belle – In the main Covent Garden piazza, there are lots of shops and restaurants but my favourite is Sass & Belle. They do lots of cutesy homeware and on my last visit I ended up buying some pretty things for Indi’s room. Super cute.
Stanford’s Travel – I found this heavenly spot on a whim and seriously it’s my idea of heaven. It’s a big book shop devoted entirely to travel. There’s lots of travel fiction and guides for everywhere in the world. There are travel journals and globes and maps and accessories. I just love it. You have to go if you’re into travel.
Not-Too-Fancy Restaurants
Polpo – Everyone loves an Italian, but Polpo’s thing is that they do Venetian small plates. So kinda like Italian tapas. Think arancini balls and olives and focaccia. All good stuff.
Flat Iron – If you’re in the mood for steak, Flat Iron is the place to go. They only have one steak on the menu, but lots of sides and sauces to customise it. Oh and they do cocktails too. Steak + cocktails = perfect night, yes?
MEATmarket – Another meaty restaurant is MEATmarket, part of the MEATliquor family. It’s quite a cool little street-food-type joint with counter service so it’s really casual. And they serve the usual suspects like hotdogs and burgers. It’s pretty good for lunch.
Fire & Stone – I love it here. This pizza joint serves pizzas creatively based around different countries of the world. So there’s the Mumbai topped with chicken tikka and paneer and spinach, or the Madrid with chorizo and prawns. The menu has changed a few times over the last few years, but they always have unique pizzas you won’t find anywhere else.
Homeslice – Another pizza place, but this one you can order pizza by the slice if you don’t fancy the whole thing. I think that’s awesome. You can just stop by and have a slice of salami pizza and a pint of beer on tap and be on your merry way.
Quirky Bars
Mr Foggs Tavern – It’s a Covent Garden classic, Mr Foggs Tavern is a quirky pub with eccentric Victorian decor, bunting and a great vibe. They’re even serving frozen slushy cocktails this summer so yes to that.
Blame Gloria – A very different vibe is Blame Gloria, an underground bar that’s all neon and glitter. They have an extensive array of cocktails and better yet, they have a happy hour from 4pm-7pm where all cocktails are on 2 for 1! Huzzah!
Eve Bar – If you’re in the mood for a posh cocktail, Eve Bar is the place to go. It’s in the basement of fancy restaurant, Frog and drinks are quite expensive. But the decor is cool with a booth covered in greenery and fairy lights.
Porterhouse – This big ol’ pub in Covent Garden, split over three levels, boasts that it is one of the largest pubs in London. You’ll find craft beers and sport on screens and a whiskey bar. It’s kind of a nicer Wetherspoons to be honest but great if you’re into your beer.
Balthazar – It’s a New York classic that has opened in London and serves a wide variety of American whiskeys if that’s your thing. Stop by for a drink or even head there for afternoon tea!
Roadhouse – The ultimate Covent Garden late-night bar is Roadhouse. It’s all-American with diner seating, neon lights, karaoke and live bands. It’s pretty much just a great night and a good shout if you’re looking to have a fun time.
Petersham Nurseries – This is a kind of plant/homeware shop that leads to a cafe / bar / restaurant type establishment. They call themselves a “lifestyle destination” and I kind of get it because it looks straight out of a fancy magazine. I haven’t tried the food but it’s a lovely spot to stop for a drink and a catch-up with a friend after work. Or even for a fancy business meeting if you’re so inclined.
Entertainment
Royal Opera House – Ok, so Covent Garden is home to the Royal Opera House but the only time I’ve been there is to see The Nutcracker at Christmas. Its awesome so I thought I would recommend it in case you’re visiting at Christmas. It’s so bloody festive.
London Transport Museum – There are lots of nearby museums but the London Transport Museum is right in the heart of Covent Garden. Here you’ll find old double decker buses and tube carriages, as well as Victorian horse buses. Pretty neat.
Top Secret Comedy Club – This place is great for seeing some big names in comedy. Visit in August and September and you’ll find some free shows as the comedians try out material ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe!
West End Shows – Covent Garden is right on the doorstep of so many amazing West End shows, so it’s an absolute must if you’re staying in the area. Check here to see what’s on, but I recently went to see Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre and it’s SO GOOD. You have to go see it if you can.
Instagram Porn
Art Installations – They’re always changing but on my visit last week I found several cool art installations just between the streets and in alleyways. Think flower walls and mirrored tunnels. It’s just a great place to wander!
Apple Market – The main Covent Garden piazza is teeming with people on any given day, but you have to give it a look-in if you’re new to the area. There are street performers and old market stalls, but it’s just a cute place to see, especially at Christmas as they have some really great decorations.
Skinnydip’s Nail Club – If you happen to need a manicure on your visit, Skinnydip’s Nail Club is the place that all the Instagram girls seem to go to! It’s £18 for a file and paint, but y’know, you deserve it.
Milk Train – This is completely indulgent but if you want a real sweet treat, Milk Train is the place to come. They serve lots of different ice creams, but the ones you’ve probably seen on your Instagram feed are cones surrounded by candy floss! I mean I don’t know how anyone eats them but they look so cool!
Neal’s Yard – Ok so any visit to Covent Garden involves checking out the colourful Neal’s Yard. This little courtyard between roads has a few shops and restaurants but is well known as being one of the most instagrammable spots in the city!
Is there anywhere else you’d recommend visiting in Covent Garden? Let me know in the comments below!
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Total Blogger Transparency: My spending money in Covent Garden was gifted by Hotels.com but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I wouldn’t play you like that, shorty.
