London is teeming with marketplaces and high streets. Whether you’re staying at accommodation in London Paddington for business or for pleasure, you’ll no doubt pass some of the city’s world famous shopping districts. From Carnaby Street to Knightsbridge, the centre of the city is often the most popular for shopping and fashion.
But one of the most overlooked areas of London’s shopping scene lies in the heart of Covent Garden, nestled away between media offices and West End theatres. This is Neal’s Yard, a vibrant collection of pop ups, eateries and independent shops that really transport you away from the city centre’s crowds. Guests of breakfast in Paddington London hotels looking for a new side to the city’s foodie culture, and shopping enthusiasts wanting for more intimate experiences will love this hidden gem. Here’s everything you need to know about it!
History Of Neal’s Yard
Located in Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard was once part of the warehouse district of Covent Garden that was designed by 17th century land developer Thomas Neale, the namesake for the courtyard in question. Mainly derelict through the postwar period, Neal’s Yard was originally a warehouse for the Covent Garden fruit and vegetable market and was bought by alternative activist and entrepreneur Nicholas Saunders in the mid-70s. Saunders renovated the courtyard and warehouse ino the Whole Food Warehouse and from its success started Neal’s Yard Remedies, Apothecary and Bakery. The success led to a range of other shops opening up in the courtyard, many of which still stand today.
How To Find Neal’s Yard
Hidden down an alleyway between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street, Neal’s Yard is easy to reach for guests of hotels near Paddington London via Covent Garden Station on the Piccadilly Line and Leicester Square on the Piccadilly and Northern Lines.
Food
Neal’s Yard has a wealth of foodie offerings that include bakeries and wholefood ingredients shops. One of the standouts for a quick bite is St John’s Bakery who have amassed a large following but originally began in Neal’s Yard back in 2018. The bakery is probably most famous for its custard donuts, but also serves freshly baked produce and bottles of artisan wine. There are plenty of other foodie options in Neal’s Yard, including Neal’s Yard Dairy for gourmet cheese.
Dining
Whilst you might be all dined out thanks to the restaurants part of hotel deals in Paddington London, Neal’s Yard offers up enticing sit down treats courtesy of the Wild Food Cafe, a plant based eatery, as well as Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, a wine and charcuterie bar.
Shopping
It’s not just dining that makes the multicoloured square so popular with visitors. Neal’s Yard is also home to Neal’s Yard Apothecary, set up by Nicholas Saunders and using only fairtrade products for its ingredients. In fact, pretty much every shop on Neal’s Yard is ethically sourced, as was the cause that Saunders stood for before his death in the 90s. Other shops include Neal’s Yard Remedies for natural skin products as well as a hairdressers called Hair By Fairy.
