Uncover a hidden gem in Covent Garden – The Yards, a unique destination where you can check off your wedding and honeymoon shopping list while enjoying a fun-filled day out!
by Charlotte Saunders
As someone from the countryside, I often find London tricky to navigate, not always sure where to head next. The Yards in Covent Garden is the perfect solution; it’s a unique destination that mixes shopping, dining, and wellness all in one place. This means there’s no need to trek all over the city for a fun day out! Right in the heart of London’s West End and easily accessible by tube, this hidden gem is ideal for both locals and visitors looking for an urban escape. Whether you’re in the mood for delicious cuisine, a relaxing treat, or just want to stroll through the cute cobblestone streets while doing some shopping, it’s a wonderful weekend destination.
Shopping:
The Yards offers a great mix of contemporary boutiques and big-name stores, so there’s something for everyone. It’s recently expanded onto Neal Street, where you’ll find some of my personal favorites like Space NK, Nobody’s Child, and e&e – perfect for a honeymoon shopping spree. Over in St Martin’s Courtyard, you’ve got the ultimate spot for all your bridal needs, with stores like The White Company, Hobbs, and Swarovski. You’ll definitely be spoiled for choice!
Lifestyle:
The Yards also features a selection of lifestyle stores. For fitness enthusiasts, Pineapple Dance Studios, with its iconic vibe, has over 40 dance styles and workshops for all levels. Why not work up a sweat in one of these classes before grabbing brunch with the girls?
For pampering, head to Patrizia Manias, an award-winning hair salon offering top-tier services in a sophisticated setting. When it comes to nails, Townhouse is the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon, where you can indulge in their exceptional nail services.
Dining:
You will find an impressive range of dining options, perfect for unwinding after a day of shopping. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat, delicious Italian classics, or a more refined dining experience, there’s something to satisfy every craving. From the vibrant Eastern Mediterranean brunches at Brother Marcus to the chic atmosphere of Oriole, The Yards is a foodie’s paradise. Other must-try spots include Café Pacifico for authentic Mexican cuisine in a lively setting and Hawksmoor for an award-winning steak.
Dishoom:
I couldn’t resist stopping by the viral Dishoom for dinner. Luckily, with a table booked, we skipped the queue and jumped straight into an evening of delicious food in a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Despite having ten locations across London, it still manages to draw long lines every day, a true sign of how much people love it. I was beyond excited to finally experience it for myself.
Staying true to its ethos, “Every Dishoom starts with a story,” the founders wanted to capture the essence of Bombay’s iconic café culture. Each location has its own unique tale and distinctive personality that sets it apart from the others. The Covent Garden location has so much character, with dark wood panelling, a variety of textures, and pastel-coloured furnishings, giving it that 1940s café feel. The atmospheric lighting adds to the cosy ambience, making it the perfect place for a romantic evening while celebrating Bombay’s heritage.
After seeing the famous dishes all over my social media feed, I already had a good idea of what I wanted to order. However, thanks to the fantastic staff, I was introduced to a few unexpected gems that added a delightful surprise to the meal. We decided to order a variety of dishes to share in the middle of the table – a fun way to explore different flavours. We kicked things off with a Pink Shiso Spritz, a refreshing mix of gin, sparkling wine, and shiso, paired with Chota Papad, 3D puffed poppadoms served with rich mango chutney.
Next, we indulged in the Dishoom House Chaat – a recommendation from our waiter. I’m so glad I took his advice, as it turned out to be my favourite small plate. A perfect balance of warm and cold elements, this dish featured sweet potato, yogurt, pomegranate, and veggies. Not only was it visually stunning, but it was also incredibly fresh and light, making it a great way to begin our feast.
An Indian-Chinese dish? Yes, please! The Chilli Chicken may be a small plate, but it’s certainly a generous one, so it’s definitely one to share. The crispy chicken, coated in a zesty ginger and chilli sauce, was a lovely addition to our dinner, bringing just the right amount of spice and texture to complement the rest of the spread.
Next up, the star of the show – the mains. You simply can’t visit Dishoom without trying the Chicken Ruby, and after tasting it, I can confidently say I completely agree. The dish features tender chicken simmered in a velvety makhani sauce that’s packed with flavour. To complement this, we paired it with the House Black Daal, which is a Dishoom classic, and it’s easy to see why it’s so iconic. Packed with deep, rich flavour, it’s the ultimate veggie dish that also pairs perfectly with chicken. We rounded off the meal with a side of fluffy basmati rice and a cheesy naan, the perfect combination for a hearty feast.
For dessert, we couldn’t resist the Coconutty Fruit Crumble to wrap up our meal. It’s a delicious mix of pineapple, apple, and raspberry, topped with a toasted coconut crumble and smooth coconut ice cream. It was the sweetest finale to our dinner date! Visit theyardscoventgarden.co.uk/stores/dishoom/ to discover more.
Ready to plan your perfect day out? Check out: theyardscoventgarden.co.uk
