2nd February 2023
Covent Garden is a must-visit destination this February, offering a range of day-to-night activities and memorable experiences for the entire family to enjoy. Throughout the month, activities include a new Month of Musicals campaign, Valentine's Day date nights, as well as exciting half-term activities - all making Covent Garden a one-stop destination in the heart of London.
For the first time, Covent Garden will celebrate a Month of Musicals in partnership with the Society of London Theatre, celebrating the district’s home as the birthplace of London theatre. Throughout the month the estate will come alive with interactive installations from some of London’s most loved musicals including Phantom of the Opera, Disney’s Frozen and Matilda the Musical. Visitors can experience London’s most haunting love story ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ at the red rose flower wall on the West Piazza; dare to take a seat on Miss Trunchbull’s dreaded chair of doom from Matilda the Musical located in the Market Building’s Central Avenue and enjoy Disney’s Frozen takeover of the estate's iconic swing seat, themed around the ‘Love is an open door’ hit number from the show.
For the celebration, guides to the best pre-theatre and family-friendly restaurants in the neighbourhood have been created by award winning food influencer Clerkenwell Boy, as part of the Covent Garden Good Food Club. Restaurants across the estate will feature two and three-course pre-theatre menus including Balthazar, SUSHISAMBA, RedFarm, Cora Pearl and The Ivy Market Grill. Pre-theatre set menu options are also available at VyTa, Frenchie, Mrs Riot and The Petersham. Clerkenwell Boy approved family-friendly restaurants in the area include Sticks’n’Sushi, Tuttons, Din Tai Fung, and Flat Iron.
Launching this month, Mrs Riot will be hosting a ticketed event, Musical Mondays, where visitors can sing along with West End stars whilst they drink and dine. They can also sip on theatre-themed cocktails with the Dirty Dancing Daiquiri and Juliet Lychee Loverboy or explore others on the estate such as Balthazar’s Cabaret in Paris, Cora Pearl’s The Cora Can Can, and a West Side Sake from SUSHISAMBA.
Throughout the month culture seekers can visit the Royal Opera House for a variety of experiences, including insightful discussions with the Principal Dancer of The Royal Ballet, Laura Morera, as well as conversations with the creatives behind Andrei Serban’s colourful production of Turandot. Until 6th February, visitors can also experience a programme of lunchtime music recitals from artists from The Royal Opera and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House hosted in the historic Crush Room. Family Sundays will also run at the Royal Opera House until 26th February where visitors can explore its artists and the world of opera and ballet. Guests will also be able to enjoy dance workshops running from February to March, as well as new ballets and operas launching including Sleeping Beauty, Tannhauser and the Barber of Seville.
To celebrate in style across the Valentine’s Weekend, Covent Garden, as one of the most romantic and most-loved neighbourhoods of London, is the perfect destination for date night activities, weekend breaks, or trips with friends. Covent Garden’s wide selection of dining destinations offer a choice of sharing menus and special dishes, from London’s most romantic restaurant Clos Maggiore, to ultra-cosy Cora Pearl, SUSHISAMBA, The Ivy Market Grill, The Petersham, Frenchie, Vyta and Cinnamon Bazaar. For the perfect gift, Covent Garden’s retailers have endless options for all budgets. For those looking to invest in a piece that will last forever, Tiffany & Co., VASHI, Tag Heuer, Tudor Watches and Bucherer all offer personalisation, gift wrapping and a bespoke experience for those seeking something unique. Mulberry, Jo Malone London, Tom Ford, Penhaligon’s and Apple are perfect for gifts for any friend or loved one, plus cult jewellery brand Missoma will be extending its pop-up on the Piazza this year.
For visitors looking for pancakes ahead of Pancake Day on 21st February, highlights include Hot Buttermilk Pancakes from The Ivy Market Grill, Din Tai Fung’s savoury Crispy Golden Prawn Pancake and Balthazar’s New York-style mixed berry pancakes which can be enjoyed at their weekend brunch with live jazz. Other favourites with sweet & savoury options include Chez Antoinette and Avobar.
This half-term Covent Garden has a myriad of activities to keep the whole family entertained from pop-ups to family-friendly dining. In celebration of the 160 years of London’s famous Tube network, visitors can step into the past and see the historic underground trains at the London Transport Museum. With free entry for children from 11th-19th February, there will be a number of games and craft activities throughout the whole month. For foodie families, visitors can stop at the East Piazza for pop-ups from Gully, My Pie and Blondie’s Kitchen. British Street Food Awards finalist Gully, known for their Indian Street food, will be popping up from the 9th-26th February, offering consumers a chance to try their unique 'build your own' menu while combining spices, aromas and flavours of North Indian cuisine. My Pie will be popping up alongside serving a modern twist on the classic pie and mash, and from the 10th-26th February, Covent Garden favourite, Blondies Kitchen, will be bringing their Insta-famous truck to serve a larger offering of their bestsellers including their milk and cookies combo and more.
