Radisson Blu Edwardian Guide to Covent Garden

 

Our guide to shopping, eating and entertainment in Covent Garden

Covent Garden is dominated by shopping, street performers and entertainment facilities and contains an entrance to the Royal Opera House, and the buzzing Seven Dials area. Covent Garden Piazza is located in the centre of the area and was the site of a flower, fruit and vegetable market from the 1500s until 1974, when the wholesale market relocated.

Nearby somerset House is one of London's favourite tourist destinations. Somerset House is a spectacular neo-classical building in the heart of London. During summer months 55 fountains dance in the courtyard, and in winter you can skate on London's favourite ice rink. Somerset House also hosts open-air concerts and films plus contemporary art and design exhibitions. More details can be found here: http://www.somersethouse.org.uk.

  

 

Read our guide to find out what shops and restaurants/cafes you can expect to find when roaming around Covent Garden. We have also suggested some great hidden gems and unique shops that you may not have heard of, but that are definitely worth a visit.

 

 

Shopping in Covent Garden

Covent Garden is great for shopping, not only do you have all the popular clothing stores but you also have many great beauty and shoe shops.

When it comes to clothing, you have a huge choice to from trendy designer clothing such as Joseph, Cecil Gee, Fred Perry, Calvin Klein, Hackett (for both men and kids) and Diesel to popular high street stores such as Zara, French Connection and Reiss, Hobbs, Gap and Gap Kids and there is also a lovely Marks and Spencer which is always great when it comes to your bare essentials.

Asides from all those well know shops there are many one off shops and some not so well known shops around Covent Garden which is great for something different. Neal Street is a great street to wander down as well as a few of the other streets nearby that are part of the Seven Dials.

In terms of shoes there are many great one off shoe shops, again a few of these are on Neal Street which are also has really cool trainer shops to keep the boys entertained. But there are also many of the well known shoe brands such as Bertie, Aldo and Dune so you are definitely spoilt for choice.

For those into their beauty products there is a great MAC store in Covent Garden as well as Shu Uemura – fabulous for eye lashes. And for kids there is The Disney store, as well as Build a bear workshop, so you really can spend the entire day shopping in Covent Garden.

Don't forget to visit the largest Apple store in the World - which just so happens to be in Covent Garden.

 

Top 6 unique shops in Covent Garden

 
1. Benjaymin Pollocks Toy Shop
This great little shop in the heart of Covent Garden and is full of traditional toys. Most famous for its collection of toy theatres which range in price from under £10 to over £50. With traditional Jack in the Boxes, Russian dolls, glove puppets,and toy soldiers. This is defiantly remind you of your childhood.

                                            Address: 44 The Market, Covent Garden, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RF

 

 

2. Tea Palace
If you love tea this is the place for you. Tea Palace has one of the widest selctions of finest tea within the UK. It is also a great place to buy some gifts for firends from.  

Address: 12 Covent Garden Market, Covent Garden, WC2E23

 

 

3.Stanfords

If you are planning a trip abroad or just love travelling, this is the shop for you. A shop filled with travel books and maps and many other travel accessories and gadgets. 

                                             Address: 12-14 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LP 

 

 

4. Blackout II
This is a great vintage shop that stocks a little bit of everything, from accessories, suits, dresses, handbags and coats - so it is definitely worth a visit.

Address: 51 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9HJ

 

 

5. Ciber Candy
If you have a sweet tooth you should make it a point to come here. Stocking sweets from all over the world, you should be able to find all the goodies that you miss while you are away.

Address: 3 Garrick St London WC2E 9BF3

 

 

6. Covent Garden Academy of Flowers

The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers is an exciting venture offering flower design courses situated in the heart of London's Covent Garden.

The courses will give both beginners and experienced students the opportunity to develop their practical skills while ensuring that that there is also a strong focus on design. This vital combination allows students to reach and explore their full potential.

Address: St Martin’s Courtyard, 9 Slingsby Place, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9AB

 

Cafés and restaurants in Covent Garden

 

In Covent Garden there are many cute little cafes and restaurants so you will be spoilt for choice. From Gourmet Burger Kitchen to Fire and Stone for Pizzas and Crème de la Crepe for both sweet and savoury crepes, Café Rouge and many more. So no matter what you are craving you should be able to find a suitable restaurant to satisfy your needs.

 

Top 5 hidden Gems

L'Atelier Joel Robuchon – Located on West street, this is a great French restaurant with very cool atmosphere.

Dishoom – Located on Upper St Martin's Lane, Dishoom is has recreated a Bombay cafe feel. Open from 8am until 11pm you can have every meal here, they have a no booking policy, however you do get a delicious complementary cup of chai whilst in the queue, so it's not that bad.

Circus – Located on Endell Street, this is where to go if you want to have a meal with great atmosphere. It is a mixture of a cabaret restaurant and a West End cocktail bar, with great acts performing throughout the evening you will always be entertained. .

Joe Allens – Located on Exeter Street and has a great warm and friendly atmosphere. You may also find the odd actor having a meal there at the same time so keep your eyes open!.

Christopher’s – Located on Wellington Street this is an American bar and grill, seving classic dishes from all over the United States of America, their signature dish is the Rib of beef  (for 2 people)

 

 

Entertainment and going out in Covent Garden

 

You will never be short of thing to do when you are in Covent Garden. Firstly during the day time there are always street performers in the Piazza and the general vibe is fun and lively so kids can enjoy themselves as well.

The British Museum is also on your doorstep along with the Royal Opera House, and many of the West End theatres. So try and book a play or Opera before hand to ensure you can get a seat.

There are also many great pubs and bars around the area with good vibes such as Navajo Joes, Porter house, Dirty Martini and so on. So you are definetly in the right place to start your night off.

 

Getting around and public transport in Covent Garden

The closest tube stations would be Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line, Leicester Square on the Northern line and Tottenham Court Road on the Central & Northern Lines. You can also get to Covent Garden via the following bus routes; 1, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 23, 24, 25, 29, 38, 55, 59, 68, 87, 91, 98, 139, 168, 172, 177, 189, 243, 253, 521, RV1, X68.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Covent Garden hotel Instagram photos

 

Hotels near Covent Garden

 

Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street
Luxury 4 star deluxe hotel in Covent Garden.
Telephone: +44(0)20 76297474
Find out more: Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel

 

 

Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel
Luxury 4 star hotel near Covent Garden.
Telephone: +44(0)20 76373477
Find out more: Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel

 

Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel
Luxury 4 star deluxe hotel near Covent Garden.
Telephone: +44(0)20 76365601
Find out more: Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel