Covent Garden Market, 14th June, 2.30pm

Lets explore the markets/shops together, in groups or by ourselves; and then meetup again for a drink and exchange stories/adventures! Explore the shops/stalls selling crafts, clothes, jewellery, art, antiques; some elegant, some touristy, some cheap, some designer and handmade. Have a coffee, beer/wine, or freshly squeezed fruit juice and something to eat from the vast selection of foods (chips, ice cream, steak, fish, Italian/French restaurants, cakes/pastries). People watch and soak up the creative, colourful atmosphere and energy!
“London's premier tourist centre...Check out the shops, theatres, cafes, pubs and restaurants or simply be among the multitude of people who pass through this pretty part of town. You'll love soaking up the festive, historic atmosphere."
Covent Garden is associated with the former fruit and veg market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist site. The north has independent shops on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials and the south contains the central square, street performers, historic buildings, theatres and entertainment facilities.
Covent Garden market: The first record of a market in Covent Garden is in 1654 when fruit and veg stalls were set up. The central hall now contains cafes, pubs, small shops and a craft market called the Apple Market selling antiques, jewellery, clothing and gifts, along with the Jubilee Market.
Covent Garden Piazza: The central square, marketed as "Covent Garden Piazza," was designed and laid out in 1630, it was the first modern square in London.
Long Acre has clothes shops and boutiques, and Neal Street is noted for numerous shoe shops. Covent Garden is 550,000 sqft with a value of £650 million.
Other Attractions: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum, St Paul's Church and Freemasons' Hall.
Culture: Long associated with entertainment and shopping, Covent Garden has 13 theatres; and over 60 pubs/bars, several listed buildings, many receiving consumer awards.
Street performance: Covent Garden is licensed for street entertainment with performances around the market every day, throughout the day.
Restaurants: Wide range of restaurants, some with international reputations including historic theatrical eating places, oyster/fish and beef steak restaurants; Italian, Belgian, Jewish and French cafes/restaurants. Also many coffee shops.

Reviews
“Fab atmosphere! Love the atmosphere. So quirky!! Watch street entertainment and wonder around all the stalls/shops.”
“A must go. Love Covent Garden such a bustling atmosphere. Always street entertainers, music or singers... Filled with restaurants, bars, markets and boutiques.'
“I love this place, always tons to see. Street performers, great retail therapy and great pubs, what’s not to like, a must see!”
“Love Covent Garden! My favourite spot. So much to do and see. Lots of buskers, cafés and shops. A must visit place.”
“Quirky, interesting stalls...Plenty of choice for eating/drinking and people watching!”