Though undoubtedly trendy, 26 Grains in Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, still manages to be unassuming and welcoming. There are few foodie hubs in London that put good food before style and aesthetic (here's looking at you Farm Girl), so when testing out one of the city's most instagrammed, I was pleasantly surprised.
And where better to kick-start your weekend than somewhere that is infamous for its delicious porridge? Count me in!
COVENT GARDEN, LONDON
Covent Garden is undoubtedly a tourist trap. It's overrun with heaving crowds watching the performance acts and, up until now, there wasn't much to do or see once you've been a few times.
But all of that is marvellously changing with new, funky hotels, independent shops and beautiful restaurants sprouting up left, right and center. Covent Garden is now infiltrated with a healthy mix of tourists and locals.
Whilst I love the hustle and bustle of the main shopping part by the Tube station, there's a little colourful courtyard that's only known by Covent Garden regulars (and a few tourists that are either foodies or Instagram-obsessed!)
Fairy lights, painted window shutters and outdoor seating worth occupying in any weather.
Welcome to Neal's Yard.
You could quite literally spend your entire day eating here - ending it with the biggest pizza you've ever eaten in Homeslice and washing it all down with a French red in La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels.
But to begin the day, head to 26 Grains.
It's definitely not a new, undiscovered spot, and you'll no doubt queue for a seat for quite some time. But it's well worth the wait!
The menu is fresh and fun, without disowning the classics. Posh porridge is their speciality, drizzled in all the foodie goods we read about and see these days. There are plenty of porridges to choose from and all include fresh, seasonal ingredients. If you head there this time of year, prepare for a feast of autumnal flavours.
Their menu includes other bits and pieces too, and I hear their avo-toast is actually one of the best in London!
Plum and Bay for Jess, Nordic Pear for me. As delicious as they are Instagrammable.
No silly, style over substance rubbish here.
Worth a trip in itself, 26 Grains is certainly one of my firm London favourites now.
But the view is pretty good too, so walk off your breakfast by exploring.
We spotted this adorably charming French restaurant, Mon Plaisir, that we've jotted down to test soon.
Followed by a spot of shopping.
Covent Garden is one of my favourite pockets of the capital to shop in, far more than Oxford or Regent Street. I wouldn't be caught dead trying to heave my way down those roads! Covent Garden is equally busy but somehow it feels more acceptable and energetic.
Pop into the new Petersham Nurseries. A far cry from its original in Richmond, but with all the same charm and homeware goodies.
MON – FRI 8 – 17
SAT 9 – 17 , SUN 10 – 16
No reservations, don’t go with a big group or you’ll never get a table. See you there this weekend!
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