A Local's Guide To Visiting Covent Garden

The Covent Garden Piazza is a home for a diverse family of people. With designer shops, street performers, a rooftop pub and a church all within immediate proximity to one another, there is always something to be found in Covent Garden that will speak to you. As somebody who visits the location often, I have compiled a list of my favourite places to endeavour for the perfect day in Covent Garden. Some of the spots do venture into its neighbours, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, but everything can be visited within a short walking distance. If all you have is one day in Covent Garden, make it one to remember!

Hatchards – Piccadilly

The first time I stepped through the Hatchards doors, it was to meet a favoured author of mine, Dolly Alderton. As the rain drizzled onto the pavements outside, warm bodies crowded with glasses of wine in hand to meet the author. Despite the heaving atmosphere, the tranquillity of the oldest bookstore in London caught my attention amongst the chaos. Cabinets delicately stacked with browning pages and ancient ink. Floral wallpaper and a carpeted staircase. Founded in 1797, you can feel the history in the air. No stark white lights with blank walls and a modernism that feels too cold. No matter what your literary preference is, you can find it in Hatchards – and enjoy doing it.

Address: 187 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LE

Iconic Images Gallery

I stumbled upon the Iconic Images Gallery on my way to the National Portrait Gallery. While I have not returned to the more established Nation Portrait Gallery since my first visit, I found I could not stop thinking about certain photographs I saw at the Iconic Images Gallery. It is not very large but you will find yourself paused before a photograph of Amy Winehouse or Muhammed Ali or Marilyn Monroe for a moment that makes you forget where you are – later think about where you are that bit deeper.

Address: 16 Waterloo Pl, London SW1Y 4AR

The Apple Market

Although Covent Garden is known for its generous supply of branded stores and designer products, my preference is to visit the independent sellers who have crafted their goods with their own hands and can tell its story with their own mouths. While there are some classic tourist stalls selling t-shirts with Union Jacks and paintings of the London Eye, there are certain stalls that have caught my attention and my money. One in particular is Zehli Perfumes. I must have spent around twenty minutes deciding which perfume to get during my first visit, though the owner did not force on me any perfume that would put my money in her pocket. Once I had finally narrowed down my favourite scent, she sprayed it on my wrists and I asked her what she thought. We both smiled, It suits you, she said, and I bought a bottle.

Address: 21, The Market Building, London WC2E 8RD

Savoy Grill

My mother had turned fifty so we put on our fancy dresses and I treated her to a meal at Savoy Grill. While my mother sipped on a crisp glass of white wine, I ordered a non-alcoholic Pornstar Martini that did not make me feel as though I was missing out on the real thing – as most alcoholic alternatives do. Despite the entire meal tasting incredible, it was the dessert that I still think about to this day – an apple tart tatin for two. My mother and I watched the waitress in awe as she prepared our dessert – slicing it in half, pouring a glistening caramel sauce over the top and placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside it. From the moment the first bite was taken, no words were exchanged between my mother and I – only an occasional glance and giggle at how good what we were eating was. Once I rested my spoon on the empty plate, I felt intoxicated. Never have I had such a euphoric culinary experience. Even if I was dining alone and could only afford a dessert, I would run back to Savoy Grill for that apple tart tatin.

Address: 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ

American Bar

Although London is flooded with pubs and bars, I would recommend capping off your meal at Savoy Grill with a drink or two at the American Bar. Even if you do not know what to order, tell the server what you like and they will know what to bring you. With the stars dancing in the sky, I ordered an espresso which was accompanied by a complimentary biscuit – something that I always appreciate. My mother ordered a drink that was on the specials menu and adored it. If you only have twenty-four hours in Covent Garden, even just one drink in this calming and luxurious setting will be worth it. The City of London strolls past in the distance through the window and an Italian man is singing “That’s Amore”.

Address: 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ

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There are a multitude of great places to visit in Covent Garden which can be altered to your preferences and budget. Even if you only visit a single location on this list, I can honestly recommend each and every one of them with confidence. Yes, Covent Garden is a popular location, but it has a way of feeling like you are the only one it sees. I hope you form treasured memories there the way that I did, and continue to do.