But the history of Covent Garden, simply the garden to a previous generation of Londoners, means that with a little planning the visitors experience will be enhanced. For generations the mixture of the capital’s wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market and the Royal Opera House has given the area a unique diversity.
The market has now gone to the outskirts. The trucks of the growers and dealers created so much traffic it was impossible for the market to continue in the very centre of London. In its place and using the same halls and plazas is the vibrant shopping and leisure destination which has emerged over the last two decades.
Getting to Covent Garden
Covent Garden is busy every day. So busy in fact London Transport tries to persuade visitors to use alternative tube stations rather than enduring the almost constant queues for the lifts at the Covent Garden Tube station. The alternatives of Leicester Square Tube and Holborn Tube are only six or nine minutes walk away. The walks are clearly signed from the both alternative Tube stations. Taking the walk lets visitors appreciate what is just around the corner from ‘the garden’.
Sandford’s in Long Acre
For decades, ever since Edward Sanford opened his map shop in Long Acre his shop has been the first destination of any Englishman about to travel. It still is today although it is often the visitors to Britain who will throng the four floors to buy maps of every description. They choose from one of the world’s widest selection of guidebooks and traveller’s tales. Amongst all of the books and maps are small but essential gadgets to make anyones traveling easier. Wandering the shelves crammed with titles on every part of the world will start anyone daydreaming of voyages of exploration.
Try a Typical London Cafe
When Covent Garden was London’s and the Home Counties market the area was full the people who worked there. Salesman, fruit porters and buyers all needed to eat and drink. The area is still full of pubs but not many typical London cafes, cafs, remain. One such is Masters at 32 Henrietta Street on the south side of the Market. Here you will find fast efficient service; The market people were in a hurry and wanted simple wholesome food cooked to order . Masters Still provides that. They serve good value and sustaining food. Diners may have to share a table in the cramped space, that is part of the experience. Oh and they love children so make a change from bland chain restaurants and try something unique.
When visiting Covent Garden look around the corners at the area’s history and enjoy a slightly different experience.
David Smith - Before I retired I was the CEO of the UK's trade Association which represents Artisan or Master Bakers. Previously I ran my own bakery and ...
