Neal's Yard Dairy – Covent Garden
London's legendary artisanal cheese shop celebrating British and Irish farmhouse traditions since 1979.
A legendary British cheese shop nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, Neal's Yard Dairy has been the gold standard for artisanal British and Irish farmhouse cheeses since 1979. Located on Short's Gardens in the vibrant Seven Dials quarter, this intimate shop showcases hand-selected, carefully matured cheeses from small creameries and family farms. Expert cheesemongers offer generous tastings and personalized recommendations, making it an essential destination for cheese enthusiasts and curious food lovers alike.
A brief summary to Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
- 17 Short's Gardens, London, WC2H 9AW, GB
- +442075007520
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
- Thursday 9 am-7 pm
- Friday 9 am-7 pm
- Saturday 7 am-7 pm
- Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Always ask the cheesemongers what's good today and request tastings before purchasing. They offer generous samples and personalized recommendations based on your preferences and intended use.
- Visit during off-peak hours (mid-week mornings) to avoid crowds and receive more attentive service. December sees exceptionally long queues for Stilton and Montgomery's Cheddar.
- Explore the adjacent Neal's Yard courtyard and neighboring independent shops in Seven Dials to maximize your visit to this vibrant quarter of Covent Garden.
- Consider the monthly cheese subscription service if you're a serious enthusiast, or purchase complementary items like oat cakes and cheese books to enhance your collection at home.
- Card payment only is accepted; bring a valid payment card and allow time to browse—this is not a quick transaction but an experience to be savored.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Information Boards
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop) location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
A Legacy of British Cheese Excellence
Neal's Yard Dairy stands as one of London's most respected cheese retailers, a position earned through nearly five decades of unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Founded in 1979, the shop pioneered a distinctly British approach to cheese retailing, inspired by the French tradition of the affineur—a master cheese selector and maturer. Rather than simply stocking cheese, Neal's Yard Dairy sources from small farms and creameries across Britain and Ireland, then matures each cheese in its own cellars until it reaches peak condition. This meticulous process ensures that every wheel, wedge, and block sold represents the very best of what British and Irish cheesemakers produce.The Art of Selection and Tasting
Stepping into the Covent Garden shop is an invitation to explore an extraordinary range of farmhouse cheeses. The selection changes seasonally and reflects the rhythms of British cheesemaking, with iconic varieties such as Stinking Bishop, Lincolnshire Poacher, Stichelton, Appleby's Cheshire, and Montgomery's Cheddar regularly featured. The shop's trained cheesemongers are far more than shopkeepers—they are knowledgeable guides who understand the provenance, character, and ideal pairings for each cheese. Visitors are encouraged to ask what is good on any given day and to sample multiple options before deciding. This tasting approach transforms a simple purchase into an educational experience, allowing customers to discover new favorites and deepen their appreciation for British cheese culture.The Seven Dials Setting
Located at 17 Short's Gardens in the Seven Dials neighborhood, Neal's Yard Dairy occupies a prime position within one of London's most charming and bohemian quarters. The immediate surroundings reflect the area's eclectic character—colorful independent shops, cafes, and galleries line the narrow streets and intimate courtyards. Neal's Yard itself, the adjacent courtyard, has become an Instagram-famous destination known for its vibrant painted buildings and independent retailers. The dairy's location here feels both authentic and accessible, drawing both serious cheese connoisseurs and casual visitors exploring Covent Garden's cultural offerings.Seasonal Traditions and Community
The shop's calendar is marked by seasonal peaks that reflect British food traditions. Around Christmas, demand for Stilton and Montgomery's Cheddar reaches such heights that queues often extend down the street—a testament to the shop's cultural significance. Beyond retail, Neal's Yard Dairy has expanded its offerings to include a monthly cheese subscription service for dedicated enthusiasts, as well as complementary items such as oat cakes, seasonal English apples, and authoritative books on cheese and food culture. These additions reinforce the shop's role as a hub for British food appreciation rather than merely a transactional retail space.Expertise and Hospitality
What distinguishes Neal's Yard Dairy from conventional cheese shops is the genuine hospitality and expertise of its staff. Cheesemongers take time to understand customer preferences, offer thoughtful recommendations, and share knowledge about cheesemaking techniques, regional variations, and flavor profiles. This personalized approach has made the shop a destination for both locals seeking their regular favorites and travelers looking for an authentic British food experience. The shop's reputation for quality and service has earned it recognition as one of London's best shops, a status it has maintained through consistent excellence and genuine passion for British cheese.A Window into British Food Culture
Beyond its role as a retail space, Neal's Yard Dairy serves as a window into contemporary British food culture and the revival of farmhouse cheesemaking. By championing small producers and traditional methods, the shop supports a network of dedicated cheesemakers who might otherwise struggle against industrial competition. Visitors to the shop are not simply buying cheese; they are participating in a broader movement toward artisanal food production, local sourcing, and culinary tradition. This cultural dimension, combined with the shop's central London location and welcoming atmosphere, has made it an enduring landmark in London's food landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
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Historic Seven Dials
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Mercer Walk
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Slingsby Place
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Denmark St
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Britain's legendary Tin Pan Alley where rock and roll was born, preserved beneath 17th-century facades.
Shaftesbury Ave
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Agatha Christie memorial
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Bow St
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Royal Opera House
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1 Soho Place
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Goodwin’s Court
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190 High Holborn
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Huntfun Covent Garden
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Self-Guided Audio Tour - London's Soho, Theatreland and Chinatown
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Unmissable attractions to see
Neal's Yard
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Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
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Seven Dials Comedy @ The Seven Dials Club
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Seven Dials
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Explore Seven Dials, a historic and vibrant area in London filled with unique shops, charming cafes, and cultural experiences that embody the city's spirit.
Cambridge Theatre
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Neal St
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ODEON Covent Garden
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The Phoenix Garden
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St. Martin's Theatre
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The Ambassadors Theatre
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London Guided Walks
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St Giles in the Fields
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Visit London Taxi Tours
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The Shaftesbury Theatre
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Phoenix Arts Club
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of London at the Phoenix Arts Club, a premier cabaret destination combining live entertainment and exquisite dining.
Essential places to dine
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
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Hawksmoor Seven Dials
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Circus
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Inamo Covent Garden
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Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
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La Bodega Negra Restaurant
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Palm Court Brasserie
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Clos Maggiore
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Margot
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Noble Rot Soho
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Chez Antoinette
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Hoppers Soho
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Cora Pearl Covent Garden
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New Loon Fung Restaurant
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J Sheekey
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Good
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Pop Boutique
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Urban Outfitters
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Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
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Forbidden Planet London Megastore
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Rokit Covent Garden
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Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
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MUJI Covent Garden Store
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St Martin's Courtyard
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Charing Cross Rd
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Escapologist Bar
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Oriole
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The Black Book
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Boutique
- Casual
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Sustainable
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
