MSH Backup

Working in the middle of London, it's really easy to become a creature of habit and only visit a series of places on rotation at lunchtime or at the end of the day. Given that I'm usually up against the clock as far as downing any form of food is concerned, it's always lovely to carve out some time to indulge properly, especially at the end of a busy week. The perfect opportunity to try somewhere new came up a little while ago, with a post-work visit to a Covent Garden gem: Sweetheart Cupcakes is a small but perfectly formed little bakery which sits on the lower level of Covent Garden Market, and is somewhere which I've been meaning to pop into for as long as I can remember - especially as they offer such a broad variety of bakes. Although the cafe itself is quite compact, there's a myriad of options on offer to satisfy even the sweetest of teeth, with seemingly limitless options served on rotation as well as more traditional offerings, such as afternoon tea. It was...

Having worked in Covent Garden for almost four years now, it’s always lovely to make the most of being in the area, whether that be window shopping on my lunch break, or enjoying a new foodie favourite. The area has undergone a really speedy period of transformation of late too, with the sad departure of some much-loved shops (I’m still coming to terms with Marks and Spencer closing!), as well as the arrival of some new faces too. One of the newest, a familiar London brand but new to the area is Chelsea native The Shop at Bluebird: Set across two floors on Floral Street, The Shop at Bluebird is housed in a freshly finished development which has been years in the making. There’s no denying that on first arrival, it’s seriously impressive- light, airy and with plenty of space to accommodate a mixed offer of fashion, beauty and homeware. Look up, and a vast mirrored installation adds to the feeling of infinite space, with carefully considered planting creating a very relaxed atmosphere. ...

It seems like there's a new shop launching in Covent Garden almost every day at the moment, which, whilst providing plenty of scope for lunchtime perusals, are also proving seriously dangerous for my bank balance! Hot on the heels of & Other Stories which opened at the end of the summer, the latest addition to Long Acre is another hub of Scandi style: Complete with a café serving up an array of sandwiched, baked treats and drinks, Arket encapsulates a pared down aesthetic, incorporating both womenswear and menswear, and an array of home accessories too. I've not yet made it over to the Regent Street branch, but have been really impressed by what I've seen of the brand so far, especially as their fuss-free style staples are perfect for everyday. It takes a little while to adjust to the slightly sparse design of the store, but once you do, there are plenty of goodies to discover- from basic knits in the most vivid of colours, to immaculate tailoring, to a selection of pyj...

Let’s be honest, there are few places in the heart of central London which could reasonably be called an oasis of calm- especially at the height of the summer holidays. Whilst I’ve been battling to make my way to and from the Tube amidst a hubbub of people, navigating spells of sweltering summer weather and torrential rain alike, it’s fair to say that there’s not really been all that much time for any relaxation over the last month or so. Having said that, I’m delighted to have discovered a new tranquil treasure in the heart of the city- namely the recently opened Petersham Nurseries in Covent Garden: Whilst I’m yet to take a trip to the original branch of Petersham Nurseries in Richmond, the opening of this central London sister shop has been on my radar since it was announced at the start of the year. Not only is the main store the perfect destination if you’re looking to indulge in all things green-fingered, but the accompanying deli is a real must-visit for fresh produce and a del...

As I've mentioned a few times in the past on these pages, I often tend to get stuck into something of a lunchtime rut during the week. It's all too easy to stick to the same sandwiches day after day, and, if you're strapped for time, it's often pretty tricky to proactively make time to enjoy lunch. Having said that, however, now that summer seems to be well and truly with us, I've been determined to explore some new lunchtime haunts, and recently made it along to a destination which I've been eager to try out for absolutely ages: Nestled neatly in the heart of Neal's Yard, 26 Grains has become something of a Covent Garden go-to since it opened last year, and I can't quite believe it's taken me this long to make it along! Offering lots of wholesome and healthy options, it's a small but perfectly formed destination for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering an array of freshly prepared dishes, whether you're after something on the go or to enjoy...

As part of my ongoing quest to make the most of my lunch breaks, I've been making a concerted effort to try as many new eating options as possible- and, working in Covent Garden, there certainly is plenty of choice on offer. It's always lovely to spot a new dining destination popping up in the piazza, and a few weeks ago I popped along to one of the newest openings- the Aubaine Deli:  Having walked past the tantalising treats of the pastry counter every day for a fair few months now, it was wonderful to have the chance to sit down and enjoy a leisurely lunch and a pot of tea! I opted for a delicious ham and cheese baguette, followed by a raspberry and pistachio sponge cake- both of which were delicious. I'm already making plans for a return visit, and can't recommend the Aubaine Deli as the perfect pitstop in the middle of a busy day!  Have you tried any new lunch spots recently?  (Image credit: Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission.)