I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled upon Seven Dials, on my way home after an excruciatingly long day of Econometrics at the LSE. The colourful patchwork of Neal’s Yard (a secret courtyard in the heart of this area) was just the mood-elevating lift my weary spirits needed. I’ll even go so far as to admit a feeling of elation, at having discovered this hidden gem in the thick of West London!
Since then, I’ve never lost an opportunity to cut through the associated network of streets which sit sandwiched between Covent Garden and Soho… And over time, the area has become my go-to for anything and everything.
It’s where I’ll head to when craving the comfort that only a sesame-studded Jerusalem bagel can provide, or where I’ll scoff my body weight in macarons and dark chocolate seasoned with basil and Persian lime. There’s nothing lovelier than a shot of retail therapy in Seven Dials either, or a subtle makeover in this discreetly-fashionable beauty hub.
Whether you’re just passing by or planning a dedicated visit, here are my top picks of things to do, eat and shop in this prolific pocket of London…
But, first.
A quick trip back in history might be in order to put into context, Seven Dial’s distinctive layout of intercrossing streets.
The area was laid out by an MP, Thomas Neale, in the early 1690s. More than just a parliamentary figure, he was a formidably influential character who also served as Master of the Mint and Groom Porter, launched England’s first lottery and dabbled in entrepreneurial ventures (including a new method of raising shipwrecks).
Seven Dials came to be when Neale was given an undeveloped tract of land in central London (one of the last of its kind). He rather savvily laid it out in a series of triangles to maximise the number of houses, as rentals at the time were charged per foot of frontage (rather than per square foot of interiors)!
Neale envisaged Seven Dials to be the one of the city’s most fashionable addresses. It was a vision which alas, didn’t immediately manifest and the area briefly fell into disrepute, frequented at one point for its gin shops! It was never short of intriguing idiosyncrasies however, with Dickens famously noting in “Sketches by Boz”,
“The stranger who finds himself in the Dials for the first time…at the entrance of Seven obscure passages, uncertain which to take, will see enough around him to keep his curiosity awake for no inconsiderable time…”
Over three centuries later, Seven Dials’ survival has seen it transform into a trendy hub, dominating foodie bucket-lists and brimming with sassy secrets of London’s stylish set.
It’s unsurprising to learn that over two-thirds of businesses in the area (spanning restaurants, theatres, offices and shops) are independently owned with the investment group who oversee the area, prioritising offbeat and unique brands which are not as easily found elsewhere…
Retail therapy
Today, Seven Dials home to Nappa Dori‘s first European boutique (and café), outside of India, showcasing the brand’s luxuriously-rich and artisanal range of hand-crafted leather goods, spanning stationary, accessories, luggage and even homewares. There’s much to covet in the minimal aesthetics of the signature design, which manage nonetheless to wistfully evoke the romanticism and old-world charm of India!
For a more kitschy treat, head to Tatty Devine, where you can watch as your Name or Speech Bubble Necklace is laser cut and hand-finished on the spot. Chances are you’ll snap up a statement piece of jewellery from their limited edition collection too, created in collaboration with artists, musicians and even cultural institutions such as the Tate and Stonehenge.
Other cheer-inducing impulse buys in the vicinity include the likes of outrageously over-the-top iPhone cases at Skinny Dip (think liquid glitter, pineapple silicone and all sorts of other bling) and crazily-colourful presents for your feet at Happy Socks – a Swedish retailer which epitomise a kitsch take on the Scandinavian ideals of hygge.
Modish international designers such as Club Monaco have also been quick to find homes on Monmouth Street, a locality which has attracted luxe beauty brands like Miller Harris…
Pick-me-ups
… There’s a story to sniff out with each of the fragrances elegantly lining the shelves of this quintessentially English boutique, from Tea Tonique – conjuring your first cup of tea on a free morning – to Coeur de Jardin, capturing the the essence of a well-tended English garden in the heat of day. My favourite has to be L’air de Rien. Fittingly translating to “nonchalantly,” the sexy expression of the iconic style of Jane Birkin is evocative of dusty libraries, old books, leather armchairs and we’re told Birkin’s brother’s hair!
Across the road at LVMH-owned Fresh, you can take a seat at the ‘kitchen table’ as you learn about the beauty brand’s apothecary-inspired products. Highlights include a Sugar Lip Bar, a Gift Bar, a Sensorial Bar and even a Love Bar where you can write a mini love letter to the brand!
Holistic healing
Since its origins, Seven Dials has also been linked with alternative medicine, occultism and astrologers who were drawn to the sundial and symbolic star layout of the associated streets.
Its history and heritage paved the way for homegrown brands such as Neal’s Yard Remedies which introduced their unique repertoire of natural remedies, skin and body care in the eponymous Neal’s Yard in 1981. The company’s simple tree symbol is representative of its focus on both inner and outer beauty, with the tree’s roots symbolic of the homeopathy and herbal tinctures offered here… I recently popped in to replenish their miracle-working wild rose beauty balm, but left armed with a tincture to sort out my bout of insomnia!
Where & what to eat
The magical folds of Neal’s Yard also cosset an epi-centre of thrilling drinking and dining destinations.
Truth be told, I could quite easily spend all day here, starting with a late breakfast at 26 Grains, where just the one helping of the cafe’s almost-too-pretty-to-eat porridge would never be enough.
Lunch might involve exemplarily thin-dough pizzas by the slice at Homeslice. The cult pizzeria also offers a mammoth 20″ inch form, with helpful “half and half” option if you can’t decide between the enticing flavours on offer.
Coffee, a coconut cream pie and tahini madeleines would be in order next, at the rather darling Jacob The Angel.
Dinner could entail a more raucous, sense-tingling journey along The Barbary Coast leading to Israel. Practically every dish here at The Barbary is a thing of joy – from the Jerusalem bagel (studded with sesame seeds) and Naan-e-Barbari which double as a medium to sop up the lusty starter-dips, through to the wonderfully-naughty knafeh for afters (my nominated entry in the Mayor of London’s #MyLondonDish campaign).
Wine o’ clock / Cocktail hour
If you’re looking to whet your whistle, Compagnie de Vins Supernaturels in Neal’s Yard remains a top spot for drinking wine in the summer sunshine.
I’m also partial to the charms of Casanova and Daughters – a Sicilian deli in the Yard which quietly supply high-quality antipasti and olive oils to some of London’s finest private members clubs (now you know where to go when next craving the olives from Annabel’s). The neat line-up of jars and tubs here provide plenty to hold your attention – the oregano and basil flowers being a particularly potent delight – as you sip on the eminently drinkable glou-glou (roughly translating to glug-glug!) wines!
But if you’re in the mood to dive into a summery cocktail instead, the window-facing seats of Monmouth Kitchen or Balans Soho Society are always an idyll spot to start at!
All the treats in play
Of course it’s not really a TFD-approved guide if treats to placate one’s thirty-two sweet teeth don’t have their place… And Seven Dials has always delivered so marvellously well in this regard!
The macarons at Pierre Herme are always a good idea. Rococco Chocolates have an outpost too, with their bright and airy shop lending the perfect backdrop to learn the backstory of the the darkly-mysterious cocoa bean, followed by a chocolate tasting like none other.
In the space of just one afternoon: I developed a taste for white chocolate tinged with cardamom; discovered that I quite liked basil and Persian lime as a seasoning in my nightly dark chocolate; and learned that chocolate and cheese make a fantastic match when paired correctly (try a hardened sheep’s cheese with their sea salt, almond and rosemary milk chocolate if you don’t believe me!)…
Perhaps the true charm of Seven Dials is its uncanny ability to surprise, thrill and delight each time through a mood-lifting experience celebrating the simple pleasures of life.
I can’t wait to see what my next visit entails….
If you have any tips and recommendations for me, please do share in the comments below or by tweeting me @FoodieDiaries.
This post was written in collaboration with Seven Dials. All views expressed are mine and mine alone.
I too love Seven Dials, especially Tatty Devine. Your speech bubble necklace is fantastic xx
Thanks Frankie! Which are your favourite spots in the Dials? X
Well, my husband has a few favourite pubs in the area, one especially. So that’s where I tend to end up XD
thanks for the tips:)
Hope they’re handy for the next time you visit! X