The Yards Covent Garden provides a relaxing shopping and dining experience along with yoga and dance classes in the heart of London WC2. You’ll find The Yards inside a triangle of three connecting streets – Long Acre, the top portion of Neal Street and Shelton Street. It’s a block of retail businesses with courtyards incorporating St Martin’s Courtyard, Mercer Walk and Old Brewer’s Yard. The latter is a collection of historic brewery buildings in a conservation area currently undergoing redevelopment, so there will be more to explore once that is complete. I’ve put together ten reasons to visit The Yards Covent Garden. With flagship fashion stores, eateries and courtyards, it’s a tranquil haven to enjoy if you’re in the area.
My Ten Reasons To Visit The Yards Covent Garden
1. For breakfast, fill up on pastries at Arôme, the French bakery merging traditional baking techniques with Asian ingredients. Creations include Miso Bacon Escargot, Gula Melaka Coconut Twist, Honey Butter Toast and Pain Au Chocolate. I tried the Pistachio Chocolate Escargot; it was terrific.
2. For lunch and dinner, you have multiple options, including Lahpet (Burmese) and Dalla Terra (Italian wine and food). Other restaurants to try are Dishoom (Bombay-inspired curries), Miscusi (pasta), Hawksmoor (steak), Temper (steaks, barbecued meat and tacos), Maison Bab (modern kebabs) and Café Pacifico (Mexican).
3. An afternoon treat has to be a creamy Italian gelato cone from Badiani 1932 using natural sources for flavours. They also have a selection of vegan sorbets, gelato cookies, cakes, gourmet crepes and wine. Darlish is worth a visit because they make Baklava Ice Cream Sandwiches!
4. Those looking for sustainable and comfortable footwear should head to Allbirds on Long Acre, New Zealand merino wool shoes. Other shoe shop shoes include Camper and Russell & Bromley.
5. For streetwear brands, you’ll enjoy hanging out in Vans and Dr Martens.
6. & Other Stories is my favourite women’s fashion store, and I regularly pop into their Long Acre branch. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself to a dress, bag or beauty products. The White Company, Hobbs, Cos, Reiss and Eileen Fisher are other well-known fashion brands to browse.
7. H & M has a massive store in the heart of The Yards, a 19th-century warehouse building. It houses men’s and women’s clothing, fashion accessories, and its Divided range and beauty products. You may also like Brandy Melville on Neal Street.
8. If you want a gift, check out The Tea House for loose teas, teapots, cups and saucers, plus more.
9. The Pineapple Dance Studio on Langley Street is a famous performing arts school and dance studio founded by Debbie Moore. Buy dancewear from the Pineapple Shop, also on Langley Street.
10. Improve your well-being by taking a yoga class at Yogarise. The yoga studio offers beginner through to teacher training with different yoga styles, including Ashtanga and Dynamic. Buy your yoga clothing from Lululemon on Long Acre.
The Yards Covent Garden Restaurant Reviews
I’ve eaten at a few restaurants here, so I will give you my recommendations. I loved Lahpet; they specialise in Burmese cuisine, including savoury fritters, delicious curries and more. Read my Lahpet Restaurant Review.
If you want a set menu for lunch or dinner before the theatre, I suggest Dalla Terra; it’s an Italian Wine Bar and Restaurant. The pasta dishes are delicious. Read my Dalla Terra Restaurant Review.
I’ve tried Le Bab, which wasn’t to my liking; the dishes sounded interesting, but the execution fell short of my expectations. We tested the vegetarian options; perhaps the meat dishes are better. You’ll probably like it if you’re drinking and want a kebab.
I’ve eaten at Dishoom quite a few times and can recommend the restaurant for Bombay-inspired curries. Read my Dishoom Review.
Helpful Information About The Yards Covent Garden
For further information, go to The Yards Covent Garden Website. Access The Yards from various streets. If you haven’t been there before, exit at Covent Garden Station and walk down Long Acre towards Leicester Square, and you will find entry points. The nearest station is Covent Garden, but Holborn and Leicester Square are also close. The shops are generally open Monday until Saturday from 10 am until 8 pm, with late night opening on Thursday until 9 pm. On Sunday shops open from 12 pm until 6 pm. Check the individual restaurant opening times online. Take a look at my Love Covent Garden Pinterest Board to see more pictures. Read my Ten Things To Do In Covent Garden post if you want to explore the area more. Enjoy your visit.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
