Day 4 on our London advent calendar is Neals Yard.
Neals yard is one of those London hidden gems that is an absolute delight when you first stumble upon it. If you can find the the passage hidden between Monmouth street and Neal Street, then you will discover this small but perfectly formed courtyard surrounded by brightly coloured buildings. In the summer it is alive with people sitting outside sipping coffee In winter it is a little oasis with its twinkly coloured lights and aromas of cinnamon spice and mulled wine.
Windows of the small cafes and restaurants are steamed up each promising a little oasis from the cold and the crowds of December. The greenery and trees planted in tin barrels add to the garden feel and the rainbow colours make it feel light and bright all year long.
Neal’s Yard Remedies and Neal’s Yard Dairy are both here, excellent places for Christmas shopping, there is a hair stylist and other independent businesses. It is also a great place to people watch. It makes me smile everytime I see someone obviously discovering it for the first time as they emerge into the courtyard and stop and stare.
If you want to a little breather from Christmas shopping or to escape the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, then Neal’s Yard is the place to go. Here is where you might just find a secret slice of London Christmas magic (just don’t tell everyone)
