One of the areas that no doubt first springs to mind whenever one considers what they know about London? Probably a dream home for many too?Covent garden has been a hugely important area in London for a very long time, and we love its vibrant and village feel!
At times the centre of progression and change and at others a continuous reminder of the city’s history. Located right in the centre of London, the area is considered as a key part of the beating heart of London, bordered by other famous areas such as Soho, Holborn and the River Thames itself. Here’s a brief run-down of the area’s history along with it’s present, for anyone who is just interested or perhaps considering Covent Garden as their new home…
Early History
The first recorded use of the name can be traced back as far as the early 1500’s and is in fact an adaption of the area’s original title, ‘Convent Garden’, which it was so called by the monks of Westminster Abbey who used it as their own vegetable garden.
It changed hands numerous times throughout this period until coming into the possession of King Henry VIII, who seized it as part of his dissolution of the monasteries and then gifted it to his friend John Russell, the Earl of Bedford. Way down the line and now belonging to the 4th Earl of Bedford, Francis Russell, is was decided as the perfect new spot for his new house just on the North Side of the Strand and along with it he commissioned the building of a square which would be surrounded by houses ‘fit for the habitations of gentlemen and men with ability’.
Following this was the beginnings of Covent Garden as we know it today, with the construction of St Paul’s church on the West Side of the Square which now looked out over the first Piazza in London’s history.
Back in the mid 1600’s, the area was still relatively ‘out of the way’ and had become home to the city’s aristocracy, a fortunate mix which meant that the area missed the worst of the plague in 1665 and was completely saved from the great fire in 1666. However, although saved from any damage, this spelled the start of a great shift in both the reputation and population of the area, as huge numbers of people displaced by the fire decided to settle in the west end, until by the late 18th Century the thriving market square and working class inhabitants had driven the last of the aristocracy out.
Coffee Houses, Taverns, gambling dens and all kinds of shops began to pop up, pathing the way for the vibrant and bustling area which we see today.
Recent history
Much in the area has changed during recent times, with the rise of industries like the theatre and cinema, coupled with the rising prices of land and property in central London, the area has once again become known as a premium destination to live, work and visit.
Walk around its famous streets and avenues and you will now find that the area has become dedicated to high end dining, entertainment and shopping, with names like Burberry and Chanel dominant as you walk down King Street and into the Piazza.
But look a little closer, and you will see that the area is not all about boutique high end brands. A whole array of wonders await you, right often right under your nose as you walk through. Here are 10 of the most interesting listed below:
- 1 - Neal’s Yard in Seven Dials: A bustling and beautiful street, in this small enclave you will discover businesses like Neal’s Yard Dairy and some delicious pizzerias.
- 2 - Seven Dial’s Market: An incredible display of street food is on offer here, just across the road from Neal’s yard which you will not forget quickly. Explore it’s various sections like the Banana Warehouse and Cucumber Alley to find some globally inspired food.
- 3 - Vertical Chill - Secret Ice Climbing Wall: Nestled in the back of Ellis Brigham’s central London shop, this unique climbing wall will offer the chance to try something more adventurous.
- 4 - Clos Maggiore: Repeatedly voted the most romantic restaurant in London, this fine example of French dining has a starry glass roof and fairy-tale foliage throughout for a special dining experience.
- 5 - Rules: Fancy dining at the oldest restaurant in London? This classic British eatery established in 1798 has sat the likes of Charles Dickens and HG Wells.
- 6 - Cellar Door: One of the most intimate bar experiences to be found in central London, this one is tucked-away in an old converted public toilet, now home to silent comedy and burlesque.
- 7 – The American Bar: Over the years this Art-Deco inspired bar has been the home of many celebrity bartenders and, coupled with its Great Gatsby Style décor, is now one of the most famous cocktail bars in the world.
- 8 – Tina – At the Aldwych Theatre: A performance based on the legendary life of Tina Turner, this musical is now a global phenomenon which you can catch before heading to one of the area’s famous bars or restaurants.
- 9 – Covent Garden Grind: Few coffee shops will be able to turn a bean into London’s most consumed hot drink as well as this place. Famous also for it’s espresso martinis, this isn’t your average coffee shop!
- 10 – Santa Nata – With 2 cafes’ in Covent Garden, this bakery specialises in pastéis de nata, coffee and port, where you can watch the recipes be turned into delicious pastries through the shops glass frontage.
We have of course seen huge changes in this unique area both throughout history and in much more recent times as well, as the Coronavirus has had a massive impact on business around the world and Covent Garden has not been excluded from this. But it is worth remembering that this is a global, national and local hub of culture, which will no doubt adapt and continue to marvel those pass through for a very long time to come.