St. Martin’s Courtyard summer destination

Summer is fast approaching (fingers crossed) and although London is beautiful no matter the season, fog or drizzle, you can definitely get more out of your wanderings if the sun is up on the sky. There is something exciting, mesmerizing when discovering new places in London, and St Martin’s Courtyard lives up to all expectations. If you’re after a relaxed afternoon, this place is the entire package. St Martin’s Courtyard is a shopping and dining destination in the heart of Covent Garden. An urban oasis offering an array of unique fashion, beauty and lifestyle shops, restaurants, yoga and pilates centre and a day spa. This post is about a travel destination, step by step for the perfect afternoon, and it can fit anyone’s schedule: either a student on a break, a career woman who’s meetings have been canceled, or a mom looking to have a well deserved day of pampering. 

You should start with lunch at Dishoom. I’ve spent a lovely time with my friend Teral, and my sister-in-law looking after my baby. Everyone has heard about Dishoom, and I bet some of you even queued for hours to get a table in the evening. The food deserves all the wait since the food is inspired by the old Irani cafes of Bombay who have almost disappeared now. Everyone has a place here: from students having breakfast to writers finding their characters, you will appreciate the buzz of the restaurant, the chairs reflected in stained mirrors and the overall intense atmosphere. Voted as the best restaurant in the UK by Yelp!, I can definitely see why. The food is to die for. I used to hate Indian food. Don’t ask me why, being raised in an Eastern European climate with a different kind of cuisine, limited me to so much. But the food here changed my mind. Delicious small plates to share, I was tempted to choose all the dishes from the menu. You should definitely try the okra fries, lamb samosas and the calamari, as well as everything else to be honest. The chicken ruby is so flavourful accompanied to perfection by aromatic naan bread. Cocktails are a treat, some of the most recognized by the connoisseurs. A pleasant experience I could repeat every day!

Next, you deserve to be pampered so head right across the street to Relax Spa for a quick chair massage, or a full body massage, as you please. I had an amazing massage, such a great idea for a pick me up in between work, or simply as a way of chilling out. As a mom who barely has time to sit down, I’ve missed the benefits of a massage for so long, and I definitely should make time for myself so I can give back to my family, work and friends an improved stamina. Relax Spa is a luxurious urban day spa that’s the perfect antidote to London living. The therapist had magic hands, to be honest, I felt so much lighter after the massage, much better and what I loved was that he wasn’t too harsh, I don’t like strong deep tissue massage. He kept asking for my feedback during the procedure, which was great!

Before heading to all the shops, you need to look amazing. A blow dry would do that to you in just 30 minutes, and Blow LTD is the perfect place with an amazing team that would make your hair bounce and shine. The fast beauty bar offers blow dries, manicures, makeup and champagne all under one roof in perfect timing for a quick spruce up before work or for a day to night makeover to get you party ready. My hair couldn’t look more healthier, and I was finally happy with the volume! Such a pleasant talk as well with my hairdresser, while she worked her magic making my day more beautiful.  Shopping is at the heart of all fashionistas, so we started with L.K.Bennett, the British accessible luxury brand. I was totally mesmerized with the new Season collection, dedicated to a powerful woman, stylish and confident. Designed for those who want to look effortlessly polished and feel their best, the prints, fabrics, and fit are made to empower and inspire femininity for a new era of women’s women. Of course, I couldn’t resist and I had to leave with this gorgeous bag, despite the fact that my wardrobe houses 5 blush bags currently, all similar in style. Could you resist those sparkly stones? I am back for a pair of stiletto and some key pieces I have my eyes on, such as this white maxi dress perfect for a summer escapade at Cornwall. Its unmistakable heritage reflects a modern blend of femininity, colour, style, and a touch of quirkiness. The design-driven label with a luxury twist, offers a modern and sophisticated look with the finest quality. 

No shopping trip without going to The White Company, one of my favourite shops for impeccably stylish, beautifully designed homeware. I love their timeless style, and the attention to detail from hand-finished bed linen, gorgeous scented candles to fine baby clothing. This luxury lifestyle destination for you home, wardrobe and little ones will make you wander for hours in the shop, discovering new additions and envisioning your house as a white sanctuary. 

One last destination should be Eileen Fisher, an amazing women’s wear shop in St Martin’s Courtyard, where great design is at the heart of the brand. Clean lines, simple shapes, and sensual fabrics, all creating a timeless and ageless look. Balancing timeless with modern, function with beauty, from casual cashmere to functional shoes and versatile accessories, Eileen Fisher fits anyone and adapts to all lifestyles. 

I definitely recommend spending your summer in St Martin’s Courtyard, and discovering gems such as the ones I’ve tested for you, as well as the Coven Garden Academy of Flowers, COS, the East India Company, Barbour, Swarovski, Pretty Ballerinas, Jamie’s Italian, and so many other wonderful places. 

• St Martin's Courtyard