To think Covent Garden is not such a good place to visit anymore?

32 replies

PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog · 12/08/2023 15:00

Had a child-free visit to London yesterday with a friend yesterday. We are from Manchester, DH's parents live outer London, but I don't visit the centre very often. I have autism and am not good with crowds.

Anyway, one place I have enjoyed in the past was CG. Quirky shops, markets and interesting cafes and performers etc. so I said to friend can we go there early ish and we will ride the Uber boats and go to the Tate and then Battersea park. So, the second part was all great, lovely weather and all that. Covent Garden, however, was such a disappointment! All the shops are the big corporates, the entertainers were very timetable and demanding set amounts to watch them, the 'market' all 5 ft of it, was full of bought-in stuff.

AIBU? Any suggestions for places in London that are like CG used to be would be gratefully received.

OP posts:

Anothenamechange · 10/09/2023 11:32

Try Broadway Market in London Fields/Hackney. Lots of independent little stalls and shops, some lovely pubs and cafes along the canal too. Still crowded but nowhere near as much as CG

Nanny0gg · 10/09/2023 11:35

rookiemere · 12/08/2023 15:21

Yes it is a real shame. I loved it as a teen in the late 80s, it seemed really quirky and fun, but now it's very corporate. I do like the classical music buskers at the cafe at the bottom bit though.

I'd get the uber boat to Greenwich. There's the market and free museums and because there's lots of open space, it doesn't feel crowded.

Oh they are fabulous!

UneasyMe · 10/09/2023 11:49

CG has been like this for at least 20 years. RIP Neal St East, Food for Thought, etc 💔

Try Broadway Market (near London Fields) and Camden Passage (near Angel)

ShyCity · 10/09/2023 11:57

Total tourist trap. Same for Oxford Street. I’m a Londoner and I avoid like the plague!

Badlands1 · 10/09/2023 11:58

Agree with Broadway Market. Kings Cross - Coal Drop Yard is good for a wander and an expensive cup of coffee. They sometimes have free open air films on as well. Some mainstream shops and some more stall like.

Ginmonkeyagain · 10/09/2023 12:16

Covent Garden has always been a bit of a tourist hell but Seven Dials used to be worth a wander.

The new owners of the area have been very unfront in their desire to make it more "up market"

Talipesmum · 10/09/2023 12:16

UneasyMe · 10/09/2023 11:49

CG has been like this for at least 20 years. RIP Neal St East, Food for Thought, etc 💔

Try Broadway Market (near London Fields) and Camden Passage (near Angel)

Edited

I still miss the massive bead shop on Neal Street. Highlight of my childhood!

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