London & Partners

N E A L S T R E E T
Area Focus: Seven Dials, WC2
By David G. Taylor
WHY Situated in bustling Covent Garden,
Seven Dials has a unique character and vibe.
Shoppers will find everything from big names
stores to smaller, independent boutiques and British
heritage brands. Self-contained, it’s possible to eat,
drink and be entertained – all within a few streets.
WHEN Daytimes are best for shopping, while
afternoons and evenings are perfect for visiting the
theatres, bars and restaurants.
HEALTH, BEAUTY & GROOMING
Find organic skin and bodycare products for both
sexes at 2 Neal’s Yard Remedies (15 Neal’s Yard.
020 7379 7222. nealsyardremedies.com).
Nearby, perfumer 3 Miller Harris (14 Monmouth
Street. 020 7836 9378. millerharris.com)
is perfect for scents, candles and fragrant gifts.
Meanwhile, male grooming specialist 4 Murdock
(pictured, p. 63), harks back to Victorian times with
barbershop services, plus shoeshining and facials.
FASHION FORWARD
Style-seekers will find
a wide range of shops for men
and women, and on 29 Nov
more than 120 of them will
be offering a 20% discount
(19.00-21.00). Menswear
highlights include the classic
cool of 5 Baracuta (9 Shorts
Gardens. 020 7836 2678.
baracuta-g9.com), plus
chic newcomer 6 Foxhall
(20 Earlham Street. 020
3142 6248. foxhalllondon.
com). Meanwhile, ladies
can live out their footwear
fantasies at 7 Poste
Mistress (pictured, 61-63
Monmouth Street. 020
7379 4040. office.co.uk).
LOCAL HISTORY
Designed in the 1690s by
entrepreneur Thomas Neale,
Seven Dials is marked by the
1 Seven Dials Monument
sundial (right), which is a 1980s
reproduction of the 17th-century
original. The planned layout
was for just six streets, which
might explain the sundial’s six
faces. The area does have quite
a history. Once an infamous
slum, it’s been mentioned in the
works of author Charles Dickens (Sketches By Boz) and
composers Gilbert and Sullivan (Iolanthe). In the 1960s
The Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, had his office there,
while in the 1970s and 80s it’s where the Monty Python
team worked. For full area information, visit the website.
sevendials.co.uk
U
TOTTENHAM
COURT ROAD
STATION
W E S T S T R E E T
T O W E R S T R E E T
S H A F T E S B U R Y A V E N U E
E A R L H A M S T R E E T
6
7
M O N M O U T H S T R E E T
M E R C E R S T
M E R C E R S T
1
8
4
3
M O N M O U T H S T R E E T
S H O R T S G A R D E N S
5
E A R L H A M S T R E E T
S H E L T O N S T R E E T
2
COVENT
GARDEN
STATION
U
FOOD AND DRINK
The area has a wealth of bars, pubs
and restaurants, with popular choices
including Belgo Centraal (p. 87),
Bali Bali (p. 88), Mon Plaisir (p. 84)
and the Wild Food Café (p. 89).
However, for a special treat why not stop
for a delicious afternoon tea at Brasserie
Max (pictured below). It’s inside the
8 Covent Garden Hotel, which also
stages Saturday night movie screenings
with its Weekend Film Club (20.00).
8 Monmouth Street. 020 7806
1000. firmdalehotels.com
IMAGES COURTESY OF SEVENDIALS.CO.UK
STAY FOR SHOWTIME
Theatregoers are spoilt for choice with everything from major
plays and musicals, to fringe productions to enjoy. Watch out
for some serious drama with Berenice (p. 74) at the Donmar
Warehouse, plus big name shows like Stomp (p. 74),
Matilda The Musical (p. 72) and The Mousetrap (p. 76).
20
| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|November 2012