This Covent Garden neighbourhood sits between the West End and Embankment. While it historically has been known mostly as a tourist area, in recent years, this has all begun to change. With the arrival of new luxury flats, and the addition of hip restaurants and bars, the area has become more residential in the past decade. For those who can’t afford to live in the neighbourhood, there are still plenty of reasons to visit. Whether it’s a play at The Duke of York’s Theatre, a tour of the church at St Martin-in-the-Fields, or a concert at the English National Opera - there’s something for everyone in the area. After following any of these exciting events up with a delicious fish pie at J Sheekey’s, or an inventive cocktail at Mr Fogg’s Tavern, you’ll be plotting your next visit!

St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields is believed to have existed since as early as 1222, when a dispute was recorded between the Abbot of Westminster and Bishop of London over the church. Later on, in 1542, Henry VIII, extended the parish boundaries while also constructing a new church. It was then enlarged in 1607 but eventually demolished and replaced by the current building in 1721. The church that brings in so many visitors today was designed by James Gibbs and has become one of the most significant ecclesiastical buildings in England.

Thomas Chippendale maintained his workshop in the neighbourhood throughout the late 1700s. He and his sons were famous cabinet makers.

Unfortunately, the crime rate in the neighbourhood is relatively high. Luckily most of the incidents have been nonviolent crimes, like thefts. Residents, overall, feel quite safe in the neighbourhood.

There has been major redevelopment work going on in the Covent Garden area over the past ten years. This has included the creation of new office space and luxury homes by the developers Capco. Through the major development, the area has begun to transform from a tacky tourist destination into an area that even local Londoners enjoy visiting.