As I walked towards Bow Street for my Project Monopoly, Mr Gochugaru had to remind me multiple times why we were here in the first place. Bow Street is in Covent Garden and with so many opportunities for eating and shopping I kept getting sidetracked.
We so enjoyed coming here when were students in the mid 1980s. Pat Chapman’s Curry Shop (giant samosas), Crank’s wholefood restaurant (egg mayonnaise with cress in a wholemeal roll) and the Covent Garden General Store (cheap crockery and novelties) were our old haunts. I first shopped at David Mellor in their James Street store, and I own an array of their Leach pottery bowls which remind me of the bowls used in the Cranks restaurants.
This is a very popular tourist destination and here are a few places we visited over the weekend.
CAFES
There is no shortage of bakeries here for a small and big bites. Some restraint needs to be exercised. We had breakfast at Arôme Bakery, where there are constant queues. Birchwood at the Conduit has just opened. Fair Shot is a social enterprise cafe. We also bought a cardamom bun from Swedish bakery Fabrique to take home.
For other recommended coffee shops, European Coffee Trip is a useful guide. We are spoilt for choice.
Arôme Bakery
Fabrique Bakery
NEAL’S YARD
Towards Neal’s Yard, passing the famous dairy and cheese shop
In Neal’sYard
SHOPPING
Visit Stanfords Travel Bookshop for all types of travel-related literature
Summer vibes in the Paul Smith Shop (Floral Street)
If you love stationary, make sure to visit Choosing Keeping (top – no inside photos) and London Graphic Centre (bottom)
Not sure where to start? Head to Seven Dials and simply choose any one of the seven streets radiating from the centre
“LOOK UP”
The Phoenix Garden is a community garden hidden from the hustle and bustle of the West End. We had a lovely chat with the events manager having met her previously. The grand-twins had their introduction-to-friends-and-family afternoon tea party here at the end of June. The weather was record-breaking hot and Old Chang Kee did us proud with their curry puffs.
At the time I could not take a photo of the “Look Up Bench” as there were many people about. I love Wham!, I love a good romance and so Last Christmas (the movie) is very much up my street. The bench features in the story.
I DID LOOK UP
When reviewing the photos taken during the walk, I realised there were many which were taken whilst ‘looking up’. Here is a selection.
The original Stanfords Travel Bookshop at 12 – 14 Long Acre
Hanging Apple Market and Apple Store signs
Two pubs on James Street: The Nag’s Head and The White Lion
This hotel was a former French hospital (Nouvel Hôpital et Dispensaire Français)
The Chinese Church in London (Soho) in Shaftsbury Avenue
This was a very invigorating morning as we walked around the streets of Covent Garden. This has given us encouragement to explore other parts of London over the summer. There is always a danger that you don’t visit your own city, and that would be a shame here in London.