OUR GUIDE FOR A SUMMER'S DAY OUT IN SEVEN DIALS AND COVENT GARDEN, LONDON

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Summer has officially arrived in the capital and one of our favourite London neighbourhoods recently invited us down to plan and share a “Day in the Life” guide. If you’re looking for some weekend inspiration, come with us as we spend a day eating, exploring and walking around Seven Dials and Covent Garden.

BUT FIRST…CHAI

Step off the tube at either Leicester Square or Covent Garden stations and make the short hop across to the Seven Dials Market building where you’ll find Chai Guys.
An authentic Chai company started here in London, using the highest quality - responsibly-sourced - ingredients. Choose from a range of hot or cold brews ground fresh on site daily.

With chai in hand it’s time for a little treat to fuel your wandering. We often make a beeline for St John Bakery, tucked away in the colourful Neal’s Yard.
The first permanent, dedicated bakery and wine shop from the well loved St. John brand is stocked with delicious fresh bread, wine, sweet treats and even homemade beer. We highly recommend picking up a doughnut or two here, the vanilla cream are a personal fave! And if Chai isn’t your poison, St. John’s also serves coffee, or nearby Monmouth Coffee is an equally good shout for the caffeine inclined.

SHOPPING, SIGHTSEEING AND A SIDE OF CULTURE

One of the reasons we’re always recommending Seven Dials to locals and tourists alike, is because surprisingly, it’s still a bit of a hidden gem in the heart of London. We’re fans of a slower paced experience and the 7 atmospheric streets that radiate out from the Seven Dials Sundial Pillar (a very good spot to sit and do some people watching) are never short on charm. Of course you’ll find plenty of high street faves spread across the area, but the real drawcard for us is the unique mix of independent shops, eateries, hotels and theatres.
Just next door, Covent Garden may be slightly more on the beaten track but thanks to it’s large open areas, still manages to feel approachable and enjoyable. “It’s a world-class shopping and dining destination attracting food-lovers and fashionistas alike. Buzzing with the excitement of the opera and theatreland, the area boasts some of the best shopping and dining destinations in London’s West End” (www.coventgarden.london).

Take some time to aimlessly wander and shop in Seven Dials before making your way to the Market Building and Piazza at Covent Garden. Here there is always a buzz of activity and there are endless temporary exhibits throughout the year. Nearby you’ll also find The London Transport Museum and shop, a great destination for all ages. We particularly love the LTM shop for buying London related gifts and have picked up little souvenirs for ourselves on plenty of occasions.

TIME TO REFUEL

After a little shopping, a little sightseeing and a lot of steps its about time for some R&R&R (rest, relaxation and refuelling).
For a pre-lunch tipple with a view over the action on the Piazza stop by Sushi Samba , who also has a great small plate style sharing menu in a mix of Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian cuisines. Alternatively, The Royal Opera House has an incredible panoramic view from their terrace, where you can also book in for drinks or a meal.

LUNCHTIME

There’s a dizzying array of food options in this neck of the woods and after 7 years living in the capital we are still stumbling arcoss great new spots. Case in point our visit to the newly opened Gaucho Covent Garden for lunch during our day out.

Gaucho is an Argentinian restaurant group that originated in London in the 1990s and prides itself on serving carbon neutral steaks. Their new CG outpost is a chic affair set right amidst the bustle on James Street with super friendly and welcoming staff. Even the non-steak lovers will find plenty to enjoy here. Along with a supberb cut of sirloin we also tried a range of their vegetarian sides and starters and would recommend everything we ordered, from the burrata to the truffle mac & cheese or the char grilled cos lettuce (trust us, it doesn’t sound thrilling but it was delish!). Save room for their famous ‘Tray Baked Cookie Dough” dessert, or our pick the ‘Salted Ducle de Leche Cheeskcake’.

ONE FOR THE ROAD

End your day by walking off lunch with a final shop around the streets of Covent Garden. And just before hitting the road swing past Santa Nata for some take away goodies. Perhaps controversially, we’d say these are the best pastel de natas we’ve had in or outside Portugal! The doughnuts are also sinfully tasty…

Make sure to add Seven Dials and Covent Garden to your list of places to visit this summer! With so much to do it’s the perfect destination for a day out with friends, family and the kids.

For more information on Seven Dials or Covent Garden give them a follow over on Instagram or head direct to their websites
@7DialsLondon // Sevendials.co.uk and @CoventGardenLdn // www.coventgarden.london