Visiting Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden? Here’s my personalized guide to soak in everything this incredible London hideaway has to offer. Enjoy!
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It doesn’t take long to realize the best parts of London are in the hidden gems. From secret gardens to quirky rooftop bars I’m always on the lookout for London spots that make you feel like you’ve unveiled a new part of the city.
Welcome to Neal’s Yard.
Sandwiched in the nooks of the West End, Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden is a colorful hideaway filled with a buzzing shopping corner and did I mention, sinfully pretty?
A short wander through Seven Dials and you’ll be greeted by all the quaint restaurants, famous shops and vibrant ambiance that makes this London spot one for the books.
So if you happen to find yourself with a bit of time to spare (and an Instagram photo to take, head to Neal’s Yard.
A Quick History of Neal’s Yard
Neal’s Yard couldn’t be what it is today without a rocky past. Named after Thomas Neale (the brains behind Covent Garden’s Seven Dials area) Neal’s Yard started as a dismal alleyway with little to offer any Londoner or tourist alike.
That was until Nicolas Saunders came into the picture. Entrepreneur and activist, he bought the Neal’s Yard area to life started its first wholefoods shop in 1976.
It didn’t take long for him to turn his inspirations from his time in Christiana Copenhagen to the hidden corners of Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden. Slowly building it into the social scene we see today.
How to Get to Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden
Neal’s Yard is located at Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, London. WC2H 9DP, but I wish it were as simple as knowing the address.
To reach this local oasis, you’ll want to keep a close eye. Nestled between Short Gardens and Monmouth Street; walk too quick and you’ll easily miss Neal’s Yard amongst the buzz of Covent Garden. So best to pop up Citymapper and follow the map like a hawk.
Closest Stations to Neal’s Yard Covent Garden:
- Covent Garden Tube Station
- Leicester Square Tube Station
- Tottenham Court Road Tube Station.
Or else…
5 Minute Walk
New Oxford Street (Bus Z)
7 Minute Walk
Tottenham Court Road
11 Minute Walk
Charing Cross
Here’s a map, just in case.
What to do in Neal’s Yard Covent Garden
It’s not a day in Neal’s Yard without some retail therapy and a bite or two. Indulge in one of the many stylish and yummy storefronts on offer, serving everything from organic goods to a fresh mani pedi!
Neal’s Yard Remedies
15 Neal’s Yard, London, WC2H 9DP
A haven of beauty and skincare products, Neal’s Yard Remedies satisfies all your beauty needs without a toxic chemical in sight.
Deliciously scented products and neat packaging will make you want to waste the day sampling sustainable goods and indulging in a beauty treatment or two (acupuncture or reflexology anyone?)
Opening hours | Mon-Saturday : 10am-7pm; Sun: 11am-6pm
Neal’s Yards Dairy
17 Shorts Gardens, London WC2H 9AT, UK
Did someone say cheese? Housing every cheese you could think of, Neal’s Yard Dairy is a cheesy lovers dream.
Sourced from local farms in Britain and Ireland — fill your taste buds with the crème de la crème of London dairy, Neal’s Yard style. Or at the very least, pop in for a sample!
Opening hours:10am-7pm daily | closed on Sundays
Hair by Fairy
8-10 Neal’s Yard London WC2H 9DP, United Kingdom
For the full Covent Garden experience, head to Neal’s Yard’s very own, Hair by Fairy.
A boutique hair salon serving everything from massages and mani-pedis to fresh haircuts. Regulars here include fashion, media, and celebrities alike, so you’re in good hands!
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 10am-7pm | Sunday 12pm-5pm
26 Grains
2 Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials,LondonWC2H 9DP
Every health lover’s dream can be found in 26 grains. Steamy porridge, chai lattes and their infamous oat bowls will leave you filling full and guilt-free. With a limited capacity and the poshest avocado toast you’ll find in London, be sure to get there early.
Opening hours: Weekdays 8am-9.30pm | Saturday 9am-9.30pm| Sunday 10am-4pm
St John’s Bakery
3 Neal’s Yard, West End, London WC2H 9DP
Following your nose will quickly lead you to St. John’s Bakery. The brother-branch to Farrington’s most beloved eatery, St John’s is stuffed with everything from hot loafs to oozing raspberry doughnuts (which I highly recommend).
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8am-6pm | Sunday 10am-5pm
Homeslice
13 Neal’s Yard London WC2H 9DP
Currently sitting as one of the best (yes, the best) pizza spots in London if you’re craving a homeslice head to — homeslice!
It’s there you’ll find a humble but mighty slice of piping pizza calling your name…of the 20-inch variety. They’ve also got tons of unique flavors on offer, so be sure to surprise your tastebuds with kimchi or porcini cream toppings.
Opening hours: 12pm-11pm daily
Jacob the Angel Cafe
16A Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP, UK
Don’t let the name fool you. Jacob the Angel Cafe houses the naughtiest and tastiest treats of Neal’s Yard.
The perfect spot for a lazy breakfast, feast your eyes (and stomach) on everything from fresh pastries and coconut cream pies to silky yogurts and an impressive array of savory baguette sandwiches, paired with Kombucha, in Neal’s Yard fashion.
Opening hours: weekdays 8.30am-5pm | Weekends 9am-5pm
Casanova & Daughters
6 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP, UK
A London staple for Italian produce, you won’t want to miss a visit to Casanova & Daughters. Sip on Italian wine and sample fresh Silician deli over dripping olive oils and a warm and welcoming staff. Unmissable balcony views included.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 12pm-10pm, Friday- Saturday 12pm-11pm| Sunday 1pm-8pm | Closed on Mondays
Wild Food Cafe
1st Floor, 14 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, WC2H 9DP
A classic vegetarian spot, Wild Food Cafe has stood the test of time, offering the tastiest of clean and raw for almost 30 years.
Integrating a lifetime of travel into their foods you’ll find inspiration in each meal from across the globe. If that wasn’t enough, they’ve also got an in-house cooking class on offer.
Tip: Don’t forget to sit top deck for some colorful street views!
Opening hours | Monday 11.30 am – 4:00 pm, Tuesday – Saturday 11.30 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday 11.30 am – 6:00 pm
When to Visit Neal’s Yard Cafe, Covent Garden + Final Tips
Go in the Mornings
If you’re at all keen for some pictures, try to head to Neal’s Yard in the morning. Covent Garden gets notoriously busy during the day and Neal’s Yard is no exception.
Take your time taking in the pastel houses and eateries before the Instagrammers are at bay (guilty as charged).
Mix it with a day in Covent Garden
There’s no doubt you’ll pair a day in Neal’s Yard with a wander around Covent Garden — but here’s your reminder just in case!
Pre (or post) Neal’s Yard exploration be sure to read this post to catch all the equally alluring streets of Covent Garden.
Happy wandering,
