Covent Garden is a place close to my heart – one of my first jobs in London was walking distance from it, so many a lunch times were spent there.
And while is has all the tradition, it also has modern and luxurious options. Visiting London? A Covent Garden hotel is the perfect base to explore the area and the capital.
Theatres? It’s got it. Walking distance to many city landmarks? Check. Many restaurants, catering for all tastes and budgets? You bet!
What about cocktails? Covent Garden is a lovely place to go for drinks and some foods after work. Many places have great happy offers on drinks!
We picked the new SushiSamba, there for just a year, with a beautiful decor to match their flamboyant cuisine.
It is located at the top of the old market, with views that allow you to take in the historical surrounds of the market.
Because you are in the heart of theatreland, most restaurants will offer a fixed price menu at a pre-show time, usually until 6:30. And that was the case there too, for my surprise.
For £28 per person you get 3 courses to taste their menu – it’s great for an express lunch too, which gives you the chance to sample their Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian fusion cuisine.
I had ceviche, salmon sushi and a delightful banana cake for desert. Move to the bar after dinner, for some cocktails amongst their lush rainforest decor.
In lovely surroundings, taste cocktails, nibble on some great food and let the conversation flow. And that’s not just at this place – options are aplenty!
The atmosphere in Covent Garden is fantastic, and there are so many bars, clubs, restaurants, performances and shops to keep you amused for days, to suit all tastes and budgets.
Sip some tea with delicious macaroons at Ladurèe; grab a pint at the famous Punch & Judy pub; have some martinis at Dirty Martini, head off for some dinner at The Ivy, soak up the atmosphere of the piazza watching the street performances.
The possibilities are endless. Lucky you of you’re staying in the area.
And you can shop to your hearts content – from well know brands to small independent retailers and market stalls, you’re sure to find gifts for everyone you need to buy.
Worth noting that the festive season around Covent harden is magical. At the moment they have an autumnal display but the Christmas decor is already making its way into the pavilion – Apple Market already has the beautiful giant baubles, mistletoes and disco balls being set!
Covent Garden has so much to offer – even after 17 years in London, at every visit, I discover a new corner.
This post was created in collaboration with Hotels.com. The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own.
Oh to have a Magnum ice cream…. for years now I’ve been feasting on the most indulgent flavours and every summer Magnum does not disappoint.
Their fabulous pleasure store is back in London for another year, this time located on Seven Dials.
The Moschino collaboration cements this year’s Dare to Go Double attitude, which sees the amazing Magnum Double Coconut and Double Raspberry as the new flavours for the summer.
As they say, a day without pleasure is a day lost. Hurry up!
My body has now entered rehab mode. My gluteus tendonitis, which is an office injury, means that circus is, for now, off the table.
Oh, and did I mention there is a hot tub you can also use after your practice? Of yeah, THAT.
On the bottomless, al fresco buffet brunch menu devised by James Cathcart, coffee, rolls, pancakes, plenty of fruit, fresh juices, yoghurt, scrambled eggs and avocados (made into a delicious guacamole). Being able to mix and match is really great. The setting is calming and it was great to be outside.
Carol and I were expecting to perhaps see gluten free carbs opposed to white rolls and very healthy smoothies/green juices, but those were not available, although we were satisfied with the fresh and filling fare provided.
Then I got changed and took a dip on the fabulous hot tub, with some super relaxing jets that soothed my muscles post-practice. I left feeling light, relaxed and open. What a delightful way to reset for the new week.
I stayed at the Ibis London Blackfriars for a day of fashion and style. The Ibis Blackfriars is minutes walking from Southwark and Waterloo, walking distance to Southbank and super easy access to all tourist attractions. Very handy and pocket friendly.
Alex talked about trends for the coming season, all high street and pocket friendly – and I must say I have already adopted a bomber jacket, from New Look, at an affordable £26).
With my tummy full, I returned to my room to do a bit of blogging and opted for a late check-out for extra relaxation.
Oh, how fun it is to be a blogger…. even below zero!
I had been before, many years ago, so thought I knew it was going to be the same. What I didn’t know is that they change their theme every year.
My favourite bit is, doubtless, the huge skull, which weighs 1 tonne and you can get inside! Huge photo opportunity, right there.
There are extremely detailed – and ambitious – sculptures. Just check the original artwork from Joey Hifi and spot the hidden references, including Bowie, on the rock singer tattoos.
From only £13.50 or £16.50, you get 40 minutes at -5 degrees and a delicious cocktail (bigger than it looks!) inside an ice glass. Cool, eh?
So Many Lovely Things 