Hanging Out At The Coolest London Yards

I’ve been hanging out at the coolest London Yards. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but many regenerated railway arches and viaducts are becoming shopping and eating destinations and named Yards. Many of these are in London SE1, which is where I live. Borough Yards next to Borough Market is new and in the process of opening up. Bankside Yards is another new development with work, live and retail space down the road. Also in the vicinity is Vinegar Yard, a place where you can eat, drink and buy vintage gems. Old Union Arches on Union Street has a few restaurants, the Africa Centre and Union Theatre. Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross offers premium shopping and dining. Eccleston Yards in Belgravia is ideal for improving yourself through wellness, fitness and beauty treatments. The Yards Covent Garden is a lovely place to eat and shop. There are more London Yards, but these are my favourites!

My Favourite London Yards To Explore

Borough Yards is a new shopping and dining hub next to Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral and The River Thames in London SE1. The development takes up an entire corner bordered by Park Street, Stoney Street and Clink Street, with Dirty Lane running through the middle. A medieval street system, Victorian railway arches and historic warehouses have been developed to create a place to shop, eat, hang out and work. Some highlights include an Everyman Cinema and restaurants/bars, including Barrafina, Parrillan, Bar Daskal and Vinoteca.

Bankside Yards at Bankside, London SE1 overlooking the River Thames near The Tate Modern, is imminent. It will be the UK’s first fossil fuel-free significant mixed-use development. The multi-use destination will include commercial, residential, wellbeing and retail with a five-star urban resort. Old railway arches will be revived for independent businesses and eateries. These will sit alongside new buildings to provide apartments and workspace. It sounds impressive, and I’m looking forward to checking it out as soon as it opens.

Vinegar Yard is opposite London Bridge Station in London SE1. It’s a great place to hang out with a group of friends to drink and eat food from the various vendors. You’ll also find a flea market at the weekend from 12 pm until 5 pm, and you can view the work of sculptor Joe Rush who is known for his mechanical scrap metal pieces. Look out for the giant ants on top of the tube carriage! Most of Vinegar Yard is outside with some cover and heating, so it’s perfect for non-rainy days and excellent in the summer.

Union Yard Arches on Union Street, London SE1, has a few restaurants, such as Bala Baya, serving Tel Aviv style food. The Africa Centre is located there, and so is the Union Theater. It’s a lovely place to seek out because it is traffic-free, and the businesses are set inside railway arch viaducts.

Coal Drops Yard is part of the King’s Cross regeneration scheme at Stable Street, London N1C. A series of brick arches were repurposed to house over fifty shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Restaurants include Barrafina, Casa Pastor, Coal Office, Hicce and more. Retail brands include Tom Dixon, Botanical Boys, Diesel, Paul Smith, Rains, etc.

Eccleston Yards at Eccleston Place in Belgravia next to Victoria Coach Station is a former power station that now forms an open-air square. You’ll find restaurants such as Wild by Tart and The Jone’s Family Kitchen. It’s a great place to explore, especially if you’re interested in fitness or wellness, thanks to Barry’s Bootcamp, Hotpod Yoga and London Cyro. There is an abundance of workspaces available, making it an excellent place to hang out and do some work if you have to!

The Yards Covent Garden at St Martin’s Courtyard is a shopping and dining destination near Covent Garden Station. Eateries range from Hawksmoor, Temper to Maison Bab and Arome Bakery. Shops include The White Company & Other Stories. Allbirds, H & M and Reiss, etc.