Lifestyle
Originally published on Tuesday, 10th August 2010
The New New Covent Garden
Several new offerings bring a dose of much-needed cool to Covent Garden
So Apple launched their new store in Covent Garden over the weekend – it’s certainly gorgeous: all original stone archways and lashings of modern steel to match the svelte iGadgets that we covet so. And maybe now the ‘improved’ Genius Bar will actually be able to fit us in when everything goes techno-t*ts-up.
But more importantly, it also means that the erstwhile cheesy Covent Garden square is finally getting its first dose of cool in ages. Even better it’s part of a trend that’s spreading throughout the area…
Over at the old Theatre Museum, for example, rumour has it that The Ivy’s Richard Caring and NYC restomogul Keith McNally are working on a UK branch of the seminal Balthazar bistro (after apparently pipping the Wolsely crew to the lease).
At the new St. Martin’s Courtyard development, meanwhile, Shoreditch’s Hawksmoor are launching a Central outpost of their julep-and-ten-tonne-steak line on November 1st (we’re salivating at the very thought of their promised super-posh hotdogs) alongside the surprisingly good Dishoom and Jamie’s Italian. Plus Bill’s Produce – the Brightonian organic store-cum-restaurant who make the most awe-inspiring, übergarnished cakes on this fine Earth – are set to land in November.
So welcome to the New New Covent Garden. Where bellies shall grow, pockets empty and the tourist tat finally decline. And we don’t mind one little bit.
Info
Apple
1-7 The Piazza, WC2E 8HA
Dishoom
12 Upper St. Martin's Lane, WC2H 9FB
Jamie's Italian
Unit 33, 10 -12 Upper St Martin's Lane, WC2H 9EF