Last updated: October 31, 2024
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden, The Yards is an urban oasis that feels like an undiscovered escape amid London’s bustling streets.
It’s really quite hard to believe you’re in the Central London as you wind through this neighbourhood village packed out with chic boutiques and eateries, but something about the way it all fits together so beautifully makes you think that something quite special has been created here.
An effortless blend of dining, wellness, shopping and even a private members club and public rooftop restaurant make up The Yards’ experience and it’s easy to get lost in here for a whole afternoon as you explore all it has to offer.
Between the stores and dining spots are pretty courtyards which links the various routes in and around The Yards – I love the way you feel like you can really get lost in here and forget the hustle and bustle of nearby Covent Garden which is just at the end of the alley!
The Conduit I’d only recently come to realise is based in here. It’s a private members club right in the heart of The Yards, encouraging a strong sense of community and networking with sustainability a key part of its initiatives. With digital events, courses and 150 talks a year included in its membership plans, it’s an inspiring place to work and a really beautiful space to work in – I can imagine the creative juices flowing and the networking opportunities sky rocketing off the charts as business ideas and partnerships come to fruition. The Conduit invites potential members to come down and spend a day at its club to see if you’d like to join – I’d definitely recommend it!
Lucky for us non-members, Rucola – The Conduit’s stunning rooftop restaurant is open to all and on the day I visited, we were lucky enough to be experiencing somewhat of an Indian summer with the sun high in the sky and warm enough to be sitting outside, sunglasses on with a glass (or three!) or Gruner Vietliner in hand!
‘Passionate about flavour and compassionate about the planet’, this sustainable rooftop restaurant really is a hidden gem and one of the few spots you can actually enjoy the sun in central London!
I enjoyed the most delicious Northern Italian cuisine including pickled Venetian sardines on grilled sourdough with a rich caponata – a perfect blend of sweet and sour. Cornish monkfish is one of the best main courses I’ve had in a long time – the freshest fish, the most divine balance of flavours and plenty of texture owing to the fagioli Cocco Bianco – an Italian haricot bean I’ve not tried before!
The indoor restaurant is beautiful and there’s a real buzz about the place, while the outdoor terrace boasts stunning panoramic views and does a great job of transporting you to Italy with its authentic tiles and giant plants. There’s also a pergola out here incase the weather turns. Rucola really is a gorgeous spot for a relaxed lunch, business meeting, date or Saturday date with friends.
Beyond Rucola and The Conduit, The Yards is home to some of Covent Garden’s most exciting fashion and lifestyle boutiques. Lululemon, The White Company, & Other Stories and Allbirds are just some of the big names you’ll find here, while this area is also home to Yogarise and the legendary Pineapple Dance Studios |(who do so many classes it’s impossible to list them all).
When it comes to dining, you really are spoiled for choice with Dishoom, Lahpet, Bill’s and the newly launched Brother Marcus and Ukiyo all adding to the diverse food offerings. There’s coffee options including Fairshot, iconic Italian gelato from Badiani and Arôme Bakery if mouthwatering pastries are your thing.
The Yards is an invitation to slow down, savour each moment, and discover Covent Garden from a new and totally different perspective! Whether you live in the city or are visiting as a tourist, be sure to head for this hidden enclave for a new favourite you’ll be sure to tell all your friends about!
Explore all that The Yards Covent Garden has to offer, here.