Day & Night
Primrose Bakery Cake lovers rejoice, Primrose Bakery, North London’s favourite celebrity cake makers (clients include Kate Moss, Elton John and U2), has come to the Quarter. Specialising in delicious cup cakes and layer cakes, this is cake heaven. Choose from a sumptuous range of cakes, pastries and granola all handmade on the premises. 42 Tavistock Street WC2E 7PB 020 7836 3638 www.primrosebakery.org.uk
The modern day Covent Garden was designed by Inigo Jones one of the greatest English Renaissance architects. He was inspired by the grand piazzas of Rome and large open public spaces
Yu Foria Wood, brick, plants – seems to be a bit of a theme going on here. Yu Foria is Covent Garden’s latest addition and is bringing things back to nature. Offering 100% fat-free natural frozen yoghurts, you choose the flavour and the toppings, and then feel incredibly smug that it all comes in at only 74 calories. Unit 19a, South Wells WC2E 8RB 020 7240 5532 www.yu-foria.com
Candy Cakes We challenge you to walk past the front of Candy Cakes and not be tempted by the eyecatchingly bright, muffin-sized cupcakes inside. If you have a sweet tooth, then take it here, it’ll love you forever (or until it drops out...) 36 Monmouth Street WC2H 9HB 020 7497 8979 www.candycakes.com
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Covent Garden One Aldwych Making the most of produce from the British Isles. For last minute outdoor escapades One Aldwych is offering ‘the best of British’ picnic hamper, including quail scotch eggs, rabbit pie, fresh lobster, new potatoes and asparagus. Hampers cost £35 including crockery, glassware and cutlery (to be returned to the hotel). One Aldwych WC2B 4RH 020 7300 0400 www.onealdwych.com
At the junction of Tavistock Street and Wellington Street a plaque states ‘this building housed the offices of Charles Dickens’ magazine All the Year Round and his private apartments from 1859 to 1870’. A publication that became so successful crowds would gather in the street awaiting the next issue
Coach and Horses Rumour has it, the Coach and Horses serves the best Guinness in London (imported straight from Dublin). If that’s not your thing they do a great range of whiskies. If none of those take your fancy then join in with the friendly crowds packed onto the pavements outside. Great daytime drinking spot. 42 Wellington Street WC2E 7BD 020 7240 0553
Head to Sofra and sit on the spot where Thomas de Quincy wrote ‘Confessions of an English Opium-eater’
Street Performers Covent Garden wouldn’t be the same without its street performers. A lot may have changed since Punchinello (Punch) arrived on the scene 340 years ago, but today’s crowds are still stunned and delighted by the talent on display. After all, 44 million entertained visitors a year can’t be wrong. Look out for entertainers outside the tube station and the regular shows in the Piazza. 364 days a year
Day & Night
Home to some of London’s finest restaurants, bars, theatres and specialist food emporiums, Covent Garden has come a long way since its humble days as a fruit and veg market... PJ’s Bar & Grill A Covent Garden fixture since 1982, PJ’s is a traditional theatre bar and one of London’s prettiest restaurants. Akin to a classic London member’s club, PJ’s offers a window on to a more elegant past. If you have a soft spot for Cole Porter or Billie Holiday, then you’ll love PJ’s Dinner Jazz Evenings. Every Wednesday to Saturday until 1am, great for unwinding after an evening at the theatre. 30 Wellington Street WC2E 7BD 020 7240 7529 www.pjscoventgarden.co.uk
Côte Winner of Best Value Restaurant in the 2009 Good Food Guide, Côte proves that affordable French food can be found in Covent Garden. And what’s more, affordable food which actually fills you up. Rather unassuming from the outside, but step through the doors and you’ll be greeted by a reassuring bustle and full tables. 17–21 Tavistock Street WC2E 7PA 020 7379 9991 www.cote-restaurants.co.uk
Hi Sushi New Newbie on the Covent Garden ope ning scene, Hi Sushi may only be a few months old, but it’s already making its mark. Set across three floors, showcasing a large selection of Japanese cooking styles, including tempura, handmade gyoza and delicious ramen, it’s a good choice for a lively evening. 27 Catherine Street WC2B 5JS 020 7836 9398 www.hisushi.net
Guanabara Judging by the queues, which wrap themselves around Drury Lane, Guanabara is doing something right. Personally we go for the tasty Brazilian food (the coxinhas are amazing) but there’s also free dance classes most nights of the week, live music by wellknown Latin artists, dance acts performing throughout the evening and a cachaça list as long as your arm. Parker Street WC2B 5PW 020 7242 8600 www.guanabara.co.uk
Novello Theatre You can’t plan a night out in Covent Garden without at least considering the theatre. And if you’re looking for a good place to start then try the Novello. It has over 100 years of history and a true ‘show must go on’ attitude. It survived bombings during both world wars and held lunchtime performances of Shakespeare during the 40s, with the artists clambering to the stage over the rubble. Currently hosting the award-winning “An Inspector Calls”. 5 Aldwych WC2B 4LD 020 7759 9611 www.novellotheatre.com
Royal Opera House When the sun goes down, the curtains at the Royal Opera House come up, and Covent Garden’s culture-hungry crowds are fed a variety of ballet, opera and other spectacular classical performances. One of the most magnificent buildings in the area (inside and out), the Royal Opera House manages to cover all grounds and even holds tours for those wanting to discover its inner backstage workings. Covent Garden WC2E 9DD 020 7240 1200 www.roh.org.uk
The Funny Side... Where would a night out be without a good laugh? In fact, don’t answer that, just consider for a second The Funny Side... Covent Garden. More upmarket than London’s other comedy hot spots, yet still friendly and welcoming. Keep your eyes open for the special improv nights. 33–35 Wellington Street WC2E 7BN 087 0446 0616 www.thefunnyside.info
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