Covent Garden - London by Night

23-25 January 2006

Just a quick trip to London for a brownfield conference. I flew in late afternoon Monday and had dinner with an old highschool classmate of mine. Leif happened to work as as an architect in the Covent Garden area where I was staying for the conference. We had a great time at a rather posh new Indian restaurant and caught up on the - ahem - 17 years since we had last seen each other.

The next two days were mostly work, however, and I spent long hours listening to lawyers explain legislative changes affecting my field. I was ready for a change of scenery on Tuesday evening and headed in the dark, with map, immediately in the wrong direction. After stopping and asking for directions several times, I managed to get to the heart of Covent Garden. It seemed nearly every corner had a theatre on it! In fact, Covent Garden has more theatres than anywhere else in London. I was tempted by all the activity, but opted for a stroll through the old cobbled streets. I did much window shopping and popped in and out of stores to keep warm - including The Astrology Shop (see right) which sold tarot cards and crystal balls! Just what I need for Halloween! The area is a wonderful mixture of shops, both humble, unique and upscale. I also enjoyed perusing English language books for a change in the many bookstores.

I started out searching for the oldest pub in Covent Garden, the Lamb and Flag, in hopes of some dinner. Unfortunately, when I finally found it tucked away in its little alleyway, they didn't serve food. I was hungry after all the walking, so I retraced my steps and down New Row Street with its charming old buildings and pubs where I settled in at one called The Salisbury (see left) with a good book, a pint, and some fish & chips! Mmmm...

The walk back took me past St. Paul's (see below right), also known as The Actor's Church because of thespian attendees and those that were laid to rest here. Adding to its stage tradition, in My Fair Lady it is where Professor Higgins meets Eliza Doolittle and also where Stanley Holloway, in the film of the musical, sings the unforgettable ‘Get me to the Church on time’ on the morning of his wedding. It and the Piazza with the famous Apple Market (see top pic) were both designed by the architect Inigo Jones around 1630 and are really the heart of the Covent Garden district. To this day, many famous people live in the area and the area publishes a monthly "sightings" column in the local events guide!

I hated to leave the next day, even then not knowing the 1 1/2 hour journey would keep me in my seat for over 4 hours. Frankfurt was snowed in and only periodically allowing planes to land. We were low on fuel and diverted to Dusseldorf airport to await further instructions. Luckily we were eventually given a waiver for late-night take off and a landing slot in Frankfurt where I spent an all too short night before returning to Nuernberg. Guess I should have stayed in London!

- Tiffany