Alex on: Being a Tourist in Your Own City

I recently had a friend come and stay with me from a far away land, and I have to admit I was fretting over where to take him.  But luckily, he had it all sorted; "Covent Garden!" he shouted, "Soho!", "Parliament!" he reeled out all the top tourist attractions.  And then it dawned on me, as a Londoner, I really don't take advantage of the city.  I mean, tell a fellow Londoner you want to go to Covent Garden, they roll their eyes and sigh "urrgghh, it's sooo touristy".  But it's not! Not really, not if you know where to go.  And I guess that's what this place is for!

So Covent Garden, whats it got to offer?  Well, last night me and the SFTW guys went for a meal at The Rock Garden.  This place is an absolute diamond, with an al fresco area for those rare days of sunshine and an interior that looks like the inside of a maharajah's marquee!  The Rock Garden boasts great food and service, plus an exciting atmosphere.  It's recently changing its menu from Modern European to Modern British, with locally sourced food! A typical meal will cost around £20pp and you get free entry to there Gardening Club. 

Another little gem is The Langley.  Just pass the station this club/bar is rammed full of cool Hoxton types.  Leather sofas, great music and great bar service awaits in this little beaut.  They are renowned for their Thurs night happy hours 5pm-7pm.  So whack on your scarf and shades and wander in. 

Another great venue is The Punch and Judy pub.  This is slap bang in the centre of Covent Garden  and the balcony allows you to look over Covent Garden and watch the street artists with a cold beer in your hands. The beer isn't overpriced and there is always a great atmosphere inside.

So put your rucksack and your hiking boots on and wander around with a map - go on, be a tourist!

Comments

[Claire]

If you go to the rock garden then you have to have the lemon tart for pudding - it is heaven on a plate

[princessbex]

The Rock Garden was delicious,.. I can highly recommend the tuna. YUMMY. Don't mix it with the chocolate ice-cream though. Felt a bit sick after all that. Or maybe it was the wine... hmmm