There are many pubs and bars in Covent Garden but first a little background.

Until 1974 Covent Garden was known for its wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market. In the small hours greengrocers and stall holders came from all over the south east to buy their goods here. At five o’clock in the morning it was hive of activity, with customers and porters alike, making their way into one of the various pubs for breakfast and even a pint of beer.

The market closed and moved to Nine Elms on the south bank near Battersea. The regeneration of Covent Garden turned it into the shopping and tourist destination we see today, with its numerous cafes, restaurants and pubs. Around the Piazza and central market buildings street performers and human statues are a regular sight. The area is encircled by theatres, including of course, the Royal Opera House.

Covent Garden as the name suggests, was a garden, belonging to Westminster Abbey and Convent. The land was developed in the 1630’s by architect Inigo Jones, who was engaged to create houses for ‘gentlemen and aristocrats’. He favoured the Palladian style and laid out the Piazza, London’s first square.

We have devised a Convent Garden pub walk which takes in many of the local landmarks.