Every year, as the holiday season rolls in, London transforms into a festive wonderland. This year, one of my favourite places to soak up the spirit(s) of the holiday season is The Yards Covent Garden. Unlike the typical crowded shopping areas, The Yards Covent Garden has an intimate, almost tucked-away feel, blending historic charm with modern chic. Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts or looking to escape the holiday rush with a quiet drink, it’s the perfect place to wander, explore, and savour your day out.
Shopping with style at The Yards Covent Garden
Let’s start with shopping, because really, what would a Christmas outing be without some gift-buying?
If you’re looking for stocking fillers, look no further than Space NK, where you can find all kinds of luxury beauty products and you can even do some self-care and festive prep rolled into one with a visit to Townhouse for your merry manicure or Patrizia Manias for your glamorous winter locks.
Brands for outdoor types are well represented with Snow&Rock, Jack Wolfskin, Rohan and British icon Barbour, and other institutions such as Pineapple Studios (where you can also go for dance lessons) as well as more elegant offerings from Whistles and Hobbs.
As a book and travel enthusiast, my visits to The Yards always involve a quick stop at Stanfords, the iconic map and travel bookstore. There’s something about browsing through shelves of maps, travel guides, and novels that stirs a bit of wanderlust, and by the time you’re out of the door, you’re nose-deep into flight and hotel apps planning your next getaway. I love the feeling of being surrounded by books that have inspired countless journeys; it’s a lovely way to wind down after a busy day, and I always end up leaving with a new book in hand, even if I end up begrudgingly gifting some to others.
Escaping the festive rush with a drink and a bite
There is a host of options when you want to rest those weary out-shopped feet and indulge in something delicious. From casual restaurants like Le Bab, Dishoom and gelato emporium Badiani (yes, it’s winter; yes, you can still enjoy ice cream – don’t forget to grab a panettone!), to hand-roll heaven Ukiyo, unusual cuisine at Burmese Lahpet, Gura Gura and Oriole, alongside reliable steakhouse Hawksmoor, there’s something for all palates.
If you’re in the mood for a full meal, Brother Marcus’s Mediterranean cuisine is an absolute must. I’d had my eye on this one for a while, mostly because – freshly back from Japan where omakase rules supreme – there is something decadent and thrilling about putting yourself in the chefs’ hands. The ‘Marcus’ Choice’ option states that the kitchen will ‘curate something special just for you’.
My dining partner and I, both card-carrying control freaks, are surprisingly willing to let a chef take the wheel and steer us to our dining pleasure, although we went with a familiar vinho verde to accompany us. On this occasion, some surprise highlights were pan-fried halloumi with prune and clementine reduction, toasted seeds, and grilled pork rib-eye (I would never order this) with grape beurre blanc and chives. Other dishes featured roasted beetroot, prawn bisque pasta (not mixed together!) and a ‘rips and dips’ platter.
I was even so emboldened by my enjoyment of things I wouldn’t normally have ordered that I eschewed the chocolate dessert (“What’s that, Rachel? Are you quite well?”) in favour of sharing the tahini cheesecake with kataifi base, topped with thyme poached pear & hibiscus, and the treacle-y peach & olive oil cake with rose petal syrup, sugared almonds and a dollop of coconut ice cream.
Firmly planted in the centre of The Yards, Brother Marcus is one of several places to dine well and take the weight off your feet after an afternoon of shopping.
Dining and relaxing at The Conduit Club
For a more exclusive experience, I ventured over to The Conduit Club, a private members’ club focused on social change and sustainability. It has a vibrant, creative atmosphere, but what really made my visit special was the restaurant, Rucola. Here, they’re serious about both their values and their food, serving dishes that are sustainably sourced and seasonal, with a menu that’s fresh and full of flavour.
There is a rustic charm to the dining area and, although it was a little brisk for outside dining, a lunch could make use of the blanket-strewn terrace seating and the incredible views. Having had a wine selected for us that was so delicious I forgot to write it down, we started with some insanely good gorgonzola croquettes.
My dining companion ordered the Tuscano cacciucco, a rich fish stew, brimming with seafood, while I tried the Cornish monkfish with coco beans, vegan nduja butter, wild sea purslane and salsa verde… and it was heavenly—earthy and rich, yet light enough to leave room for dessert.
The cheese platter was the highlight and excellent value with five different cheeses, crackers, grapes, chutneys and bread. The Conduit Club has an atmosphere that’s both refined and inclusive, a refreshing place to escape the bustle while still being part of the city’s vibrant energy. You can also check out membership options here if you’re interested in being part of their exciting movement.
The Yards Covent Garden: A Perfect Christmas Escape
What I love most about The Yards is its charm, especially during the holidays. It’s a place where you can shop, eat, and unwind without feeling the crush of the Christmas crowds, but each store feels like it has a personality of its own, and the restaurants offer plenty of places to sit back and relax. You might also want to grab your pooch and have some fun at Woofmas, on Saturday 1st December, where you can get a sketch or festive photo with your loved ones (furry family portrait Christmas card incoming!), enjoy the Best Dressed Dog competition, goodie bags and festive market. Don’t forget to grab some panettone from Badiani on the way home!
Plus, the Christmas ‘Lantern Garden’ light design by James Glancy Design that illuminates the area gives it that added touch of magic, making it a picture-perfect holiday outing. Whether you’re coming to do a bit of shopping or simply looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle, The Yards Covent Garden is the kind of place that leaves you feeling refreshed – and perhaps a little more festive, too.
The Yards Covent Garden
St Martin’s Courtyard, Mercer Walk and Old Brewer’s Yard
Covent Garden
London
United Kingdom
