I’ve said this a million times but London is like a second home to me. I’ve done loads of London guides over the last couple of years, and I’m constantly updating my Best of London Guide. But because I’ve done so many general guides to London, I had to get a little more creative during this trip. So from now on, I’ll cover a different area of London every time I’m here, starting with Covent Garden.
Chances are, you’ve seen plenty of pictures of this iconic neighbourhood in London. When I went to fashion school here, walking from my apartment through Covent Garden on my way to school would always be the highlight of my morning. Touristy as it may be, Covent Garden really is so cute (and festive during the holidays), and if you’re not into crowds, within it, you can find one of my favourite little neighbourhoods, Seven Dials. Seven Dials feels like a little village within bustling Covent Garden, with super cute cafes and boutiques. During this trip to London, I stayed in the heart of Seven Dials, and cherished every second. I also did some serious exploring to bring you this guide, so let’s just get into it.
Where To Stay: Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street
A couple of years ago, while walking through Covent Garden, I stumbled upon Monmouth Kitchen, where I decided to have lunch. Since then, I’ve eaten there at least a dozen times, and was always curious about the beautiful hotel which it belonged it. K I know I’m rambling so let me get to the point. Monmouth Kitchen is the in-house restaurant at Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street, and I knew I wanted to stay there because it looked stunning. Really chic boutique vibe – great neighbourhood, nice lobby, you get the gist. So during this trip to London, that’s where I stayed.
Never judge a book by its cover, but in the case of Mercer Street Hotel, the cover is an accurate representation of the book. Guys every aspect of this hotel is immaculate. The rooms are cozy, the staff are incredibly accommodating, and I honestly can’t get enough of the neighbourhood. It’s so central that I could go for coffee, get in a workout, and then go shopping, all within a 1 mile radius.
My room was massive. It was actually perfect for 2 people to stay very comfortably. The bed was perfect, the bathroom was spacious, and I even had a whole dressing area. The hotel is quite small, so the rooms are also just a couple of steps away from the elevators. Downstairs, you’ll find Monmouth Kitchen, which not only has a great a la carte menu, but an excellent breakfast as well.
If you want a location where you’re close to the tube so you can explore the rest of London, Covent Garden Station is a 4 minute walk. Regent Street is a 10 minute walk. Every restaurant imaginable is literally at your doorstep. Honestly I can’t recommend this hotel enough. My only complaint is that I couldn’t stay for longer.
Where to Eat
There aren’t enough days in a week, let alone hours in a day to eat your way through this neighbourhood. Here are my favourites:
Monmouth Kitchen: I think I’ve said enough about this restaurant to write a novel. It’s one of my favourites in London. And not just mine. Last year, when my family and I spent the summer in London, we came to Monmouth Kitchen 4 times for dinner. It’s a tapas style menu where the dishes are split between Italian and Peruvian. Everything is delicious, you literally can’t go wrong. But you should not leave without trying the lamb.
La Goccia: This gorgeous restaurant is tucked in behind Petersham Nurseries. A great option for brunch.
Sticks ‘n Sushi: This was one of the first restaurants I visited when I started school in London back in 2014. It’s still one of my favourites.
Abuelo: To die for brunch which is served all day, everyday. You honestly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Dishoom: I could write an ode to Dishoom. It’s an Indian restaurant which is super vibey. They also have an insanely good brunch.
Flatiron: Go here if you’re a steak-lover. It’s sort of a set menu, you get a steak and a side and you can add sides if you want.
Avobar: Another great breakfast spot. As the name suggests, there’s a lot of avocado.
Redemption: If you’re into healthy eats, this is where you should go. It’s super cute, so your friends won’t think you’re psycho if you suggest going here.
Seven Dials Market: There’s so many different, incredible vendors at this market. From amazing coffee too donuts which look like works of art, you won’t be disappointed. Oh and they have excellent wifi.
Venchi: Yes this ice cream shop is a chain, but it’s one of my favourites. If you don’t know what it is or have never been, you need to go immediately.
Where to Caffeinate
Petersham Nurseries: A flower shop which doubles as a cafe. The coffee is excellent, and they have delicious baked goods.
Covent Garden Grind: Grind has a number of locations around London, and Covent Garden is one of them. They have really great coffee.
The Espresso Room: REALLY cute cafe, super friendly staff, fast wifi, and most importantly, GREAT coffee. It’s the whole package.
Monmouth Coffee: In the morning, you’ll most certainly find a line well outside the coffee shop. But it’s worth the wait. The coffee is phenomenal and the baked goods are delish!
26 Grains: While this cafe does have food, I’ve only ever gone for coffee and loved it.
% Arabica: I actually tried this cafe when I was in Abu Dhabi last year. I love that they’ve opened up in London! The interior is so sleek and the coffee is excellent.
Fabrique Bakery: Their chocolate chip cookie is to die for. Have it with coffee on a winter day while people watching in this cozy cafe.
What To Do
Around Covent Garden there’s really no shortage of things to do:
- Shop – you can find everything from Zara to Jo Malone, to more boutique shops like Emin & Paul Shoreditch
- See a play – the Lyceum theatre is right down the street, which is home to Lion King, as is Cambridge Theatre, which is where Matilda is playing currently
- Walk around – my favourite thing to do is walk around Covent Garden. Granted I’ve been to London more times than I can count and have no interest in doing touristy things, but it really is a magical place. And just a short walk away you’ll find Regent Street and Soho.
- Enjoy the holiday decor – Covent Garden (well the whole of London, if I’m being honest) is DECKED OUT for the holidays. Take it all it because it’s breathtaking!
PS – if you liked this guide, check out my one week guide to Dubai and a beginner’s guide to Bath.