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St Martin's Courtyard

Covent Garden's chic courtyard escape: stylish shops, global eats, and pop-up magic in a reborn urban haven.

4.5

Hidden in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden, St Martin's Courtyard transforms a former parking lot into a chic open-air haven. This interconnected series of pedestrian courtyards buzzes with stylish boutiques, diverse eateries from Italian cicchetti to modern British brunch spots, and beauty salons. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame lively dining scenes, while pop-up events and workshops add an element of discovery. Open daily from 9am till late, it's an ideal escape from the surrounding theatre district hustle, blending shopping, dining, and relaxed urban charm in central London.

A brief summary to St Martin's Courtyard

  • St Martin's Courtyard, Slingsby Pl, London, WC2H 9EF, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-12 am
  • Friday 9 am-12 am
  • Saturday 9 am-12 am
  • Sunday 9 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Visit Bill's for bottomless pancakes daily from 3pm-5pm, paired with courtyard views.
  • Book beauty treatments at Blow Ltd for quick glam before theatre shows.
  • Explore pop-ups and workshops via The Yards events calendar for unique finds.
  • Opt for al fresco dining on sunny days to soak in the lively pedestrian vibe.
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Getting There

  • Tube

    From Leicester Square station (Piccadilly/Northern lines), 5-7 minute walk via Charing Cross Road; frequent services every 2-4 minutes, no fees beyond standard fares £2.50-£3.20.

  • Bus

    RV1 bus from Trafalgar Square to Covent Garden stop, 8-12 minutes; runs every 10-15 minutes daytime, single ticket £1.75, limited space for large groups.

  • Walking

    From Covent Garden Piazza, 4-6 minute stroll along Long Acre to Slingsby Place; flat pavements, wheelchair-friendly but busy with crowds during peak hours.

  • Taxi

    Black cab from Soho or Strand, 5-10 minutes depending on traffic; meter starts at £3.80, typical fare £8-£12, drop-off restrictions apply evenings.

St Martin's Courtyard location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about St Martin's Courtyard

From Concrete to Covent Garden Gem

Once an unremarkable car park amid the bustle of central London, St Martin's Courtyard emerged through visionary redevelopment into a pedestrian-friendly oasis. Tucked off Long Acre and Upper St Martin's Lane at the end of Slingsby Place, this spot peels back layers of urban grit to reveal airy courtyards lined with contemporary shops and eateries. The transformation preserved the area's historic character while introducing modern allure, making it a seamless part of The Yards collection that spans Mercer Walk and nearby streets.

Dining Delights in Open-Air Splendor

Culinary options abound, drawing food lovers with diverse flavors. Bill's offers all-day dining from breakfast pancakes to evening cocktails, its spacious setup spilling onto the courtyard for al fresco meals. Nearby, Dalla Terra serves Italian small plates like salumi boards through expansive windows that blur indoor and outdoor boundaries. Brother Marcus brings Middle Eastern influences, Lahpet West End Burmese specialties, and Ukiyo handrolls Japanese precision, creating a global tapestry perfect for pre-theatre bites or leisurely lunches.

Shopping and Style Sanctuaries

Boutiques cater to fashion-forward visitors, stocking unique homeware, beauty products, and lifestyle essentials. Blow Ltd stands out with swift beauty services—blow dries, manicures, and makeup in under an hour—ideal for refreshing before a night out. Fair Shot Cafe provides coffee pit stops amid the retail rhythm, while pop-up shops rotate to keep the scene fresh and unpredictable.

Events and Experiential Energy

Beyond retail and refreshment, St Martin's Courtyard pulses with happenings. High-energy dance classes, film-making workshops, and seasonal events fill the space, turning it into a creative hub. Its position in London's theatreland enhances the vibe, with easy proximity to shows at nearby St Martin's Theatre. The courtyard's design encourages lingering, with interconnected paths inviting spontaneous exploration.

Atmospheric Allure Year-Round

Daylight filters through glass-fronted facades, casting a bright, inviting glow, while evenings bring cosy lighting and lively chatter from diners. The open layout fosters a sense of community in Covent Garden's dense core, offering shelter from rain under covered walkways yet plenty of skyward views. This blend of accessibility and intimacy cements its status as a beloved local secret.

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