Why Londoners Have DESERTED This Iconic Area...

[@tompalmer1969]

Myself and my wife met you in Covent Garden while you were filming. You were everything we thought you would be, you were happy to chat, gave us your time, and even gave us a tip on where to eat not so touristy. The only thing we didn't get is a selfie. Too shy to ask. Thanks Hannah for being wonderful.

[@DC-jk9ts]

Awe. Better than meeting a celeb I bet. 🙂

[@tompalmer1969]

@@JefferyWirtanen She genuinely was sweet.

[@noodleperson17]

My wife and I…

[@Sue-np9fp]

How lovely to have met Hannah! She's too-cool for school, eh?!

[@tompalmer1969]

@@noodleperson17 😄

[@lorrainehodder8913]

@HannahRicketts. I was a young Aussie living in London in the early 70's. I worked at the Strand Palace Hotel and lived in their staff apartments which faced onto the original Covent Garden markets. We saw and heard the trucks bringing in the produce to the produce stores at 4am and 5am of a morning. We got to know some of the store owners. Wonderful time and many memories.

[@Isleofskye]

I worked in Somerset House in The Strand,in my first job,in 1971, and don't remember Cocent Gardeb resembling this. Did it, please, Lorraine in any way?

[@lorrainehodder8913]

@Isleofskye do you mean resembling the original produce market? It definitely did back then. I have no idea when the market relocated to somewhere in Surrey and this new tourism precinct was made.

[@Isleofskye]

@@lorrainehodder8913 Hi Lorraine. Just looked it up. It moved because the traffic was getting worse, apparently and ir was 1974 and only moved 3 miles to High Elms, near Victoria:)

[@lorrainehodder8913]

@Isleofskye ok that's interesting, thanks.

[@LadyJKnightsbridge]

Thanks So good to see these places... again 😊

[@GillianBergh]

Thanks for the video. It's not just young people who watch. I'm an old lady who is watching it for an armchair tour.

[@IrishAnnie]

Same here!!!!❤. We were in London in 2019. We loved it.

[@vanessaandreatta9098]

I am enjoying this videos because I am NOT young and I am not old but I can't travel and I have been in London and mosts of the places but I was alone while I was there. I just wish I could have someone to share it with. So here I am

[@gilliansmith9134]

I used to go to Covent Garden after clubbing. We would go to the cafe for breakfast at 3.00am and then stroll around the fruit and veg and flower market you could get a beer all through night as the workers worked all night. It had a fabulous atmosphere. Really old London. My heart breaks for it now.

[@sararichardson737]

The good old days.

[@jimbotron70]

Gentrified to the fullest, but honestly it looks nice.

[@mt.shasta6097]

Who needs to drink beer all night? I'm serious. I don't get the liquor culture.

[@brt5273]

​@@mt.shasta6097You don't have to...😐

[@angelle_rose]

I love the sound of this!

[@cyndimccurdy9365]

The pedal cabs - not only do they rip people off, they are SOOOO loud. Something really should be done.

[@anaalves3658]

They look hideous as well. And so loud!!!!!!😮

[@sx200n1]

Obviously not everyone is able to walk all day due to their age or possibly medical reasons. But thankfully that isn't me. I work in the City and make an effort to walk everywhere in London and rarely get the tube. There are so many great places just off the main tourist areas. Lincolns inn fields is just around the corner from Covent garden and it is a great place to sit and relax. Has a few unique museums, some nice cafes and places to eat, yet doesn't get the tourists as they flock to Covent Garden. So much to see and do in London that you find just by walking everywhere.

[@ruthqueen3521]

Bad in NYC too, I hate them!

[@cockneyfinn160]

Those things really lower the tone...Get rid!

[@European-c2w]

All pedicabs are a rip off and run by non british

[@SteveJones79]

Met my wife outside Covent garden station in 1986, a blind date, still together 38 years later. The Rock Garden was the place to see live bands in the 80's too, bit to commercialised now but still great memories 😁 the indoor market below Jubilee Hall has some nice bits too.

[@HannahRicketts]

Thanks for sharing!

[@purpleronnie10]

"....you're not going to go hungry guys, just broke...." 😂🤣 I just love those little tongue in cheek remarks that most of us do not even notice but me make laugh out loud 🤣

[@markszawlowski867]

I was born in Drury Lane about 100m from the piazza in 1967. Old crumbling out warehouses throughout the 70s and a massive Chinese garden with winding stream as they excavated a huge site off Long Acre for an office building. The piazza was closed for years so we used to play in it every day on our way to and from the local school St. Clement Danes in Drury Lane. Yes, the church the song comes from. The area had no chic stores until the 80s and I painted and decorated a few of them myself in school holiday jobs. The area had a magnificent character-a blend of affordably slightly shabby residential, theater and opera. And while it's vibrant today, something is inevitably lost from my day. Love your vids, by the way.

[@nicky29031977]

I left London in 1999 but every time I watch one of your videos Hannah the urge and nostalgia to go back there is always stronger.

[@JonYeoAU]

I left in 99 as well. Still think about it a lot. It was heaving back then. Almost too busy

[@nicky29031977]

@@JonYeoAU It's sad about the way Oxford street has changed! No more cars and shops closing down left, right and centre.

[@derekantill3721]

@@nicky29031977 it is sad the way England has changed.

[@ghosthdel3098]

I am from Warsaw can you make a video of London on the area where there are lots of phone thefts and high number of sta bbings please. We dont have it here in Poland. Poland is boring

[@stevenhull5025]

I wouldn't go back even if you paid me.

[@Elderly-Marian-in-UK]

I lived in a squat at Covent Garden back in 1968. I collected veg off the floor by the fruit and veg stalls to feed myself with. I was a 16yr old runaway. Back then it was full of fruit and veg stalls that supplied the rest of London. The squat I liked in had about 30 other people squatting there. It was a big 3 story building, prob an ex bank or something like that.

[@iralia333]

I stayed with friends in a squat in Holland Park in the seventies. A bit Withnail and I😅

[@joanneorwell9680]

Love that fil

[@joanneorwell9680]

Love that film with nail and i

[@elizabethcooper9552]

As a young, lost and confused Canadian on my first trip from a very small prairie town, in 1967, I wandered there.

[@timwetherall629]

That's an amazing story

[@londonerwalks]

I'm a Londoner of 50+ years and still love Covent Garden. Seven Dials and Neal Street are great places to walk around if you want to avoid the tourists. And just use Leicester Square to get there and have a nice stroll down Longacre or get off the tube at Holborn and wind your way through the back streets around Neil Street, ending up at the Art Deco Freemasons Hall - problem sorted! P.S. Avoid taking one of those rickshaws. Besides the opportunity to get killed, they charge £3 per minute per person!

[@carokind9538]

I love these little walks with Hannah. I immediately feel comfortable with her and feel like I'm walking through London with her with my coffee in my hand. Really enjoy it.Thank you 👍🏽🫶🏽

[@melaniedaniel7255]

Love your videos, I live in America now, but it's lovely to see places I used to hang out many many years ago. I'm 62, so you do have some older folks watching you! Thanks Hannah

[@curtmichael7589]

62 as well and a Hannah fan

[@JMarSa-1]

You can add 10 years for me on you! Still think of myself as young-ish!

[@Pink24J]

61 and feel the same. Lived in London 1985-1993, now in Plano, TX. I really miss good old Blighty.

[@gilien521]

I'm 76 and watch every video ! x

[@catevanslife]

Me too - I'm 61. 😺

[@elizabethrobertson1159]

I worked in London in the early 80s. I loved Covent Garden. It had a lot of small independent shops. Such a contrast to Oxford Street, with it's department stores and traffic. I remember Neal Street and Neal's Yard. Antonio Carluccio had his iconic Italian restaurant there (where Jamie Oliver started his career). Carluccio would stand at the door chatting to people. I've just read that even he was forced out of the area when the lease ran out in 2012. The landlords wanted to redevelop. It had a great vibe, day and night. Thanks for the tour, Hannah.

[@Fitzrovialitter]

@@elizabethrobertson1159 Why did you put an apostrophe in "it's"?

[@Fitzrovialitter]

@@elizabethrobertson1159 What does "English is no lon" mean?

[@ubergeraldine]

Yes - it was amazing then! Long Acre had a glass blowing shop near the station. Great to stand and watch especially in winter. There was also that great place full of old stock clothing from the US - cant remember the name! A warehouse in Floral Street? Just remember getting great stuff there!

[@tattyshoesshigure5731]

As a Londoner I’m so glad the Covent Garden market building was saved from demolition, it was a close run thing at the time & I honestly thought it would be lost to redevelopment. Many of the surrounding period buildings are absolutely beautiful to look at & photograph, and although the area can often get too crowded for comfort, I still love walking around it whenever I visit the West End

[@helengarner8826]

I’m going to be visiting London for the first time since I was 14 I’m now 63, I’m new to your channel I will admit I’ve been binge watching, it’s been so useful to arrange my days as a single woman it can be very daunting, so thank you.

[@adam461smith]

The 99 ice cream was never named to be sold for 99p, I’m old enough to remember when they were 60p. It’s been said that it was invented by Italian immigrants, who simply put a piece of chocolate flake into an ice cream, the number 99 in Italy means something really good, something of high quality, so they called it a 99. It goes back to the Italian royal family where the king had 99 personal bodyguards who were the best of the best, Italy’s best soldiers. Therefore ever since, the number 99 is associated as something of extreme high-quality. And if you wondering what happened to the Italian royal family, they were disolved back in 1945 after they supported Mussolini during the war.

[@Sthuont]

The Italian royal family still exists they're just deposed like a lot of other royal families

[@Sue-np9fp]

What a wonderful bit of history, Adam! My dad was Italian, but I didn't know this! Every day is a school day, thanks for broadening my knowledge! love sue

[@adam461smith]

@@Sue-np9fpI decided to look into it after somebody said they could remember when 99’s were actually 99p, but I questioned that when I recalled them being around 60p when I was a kid (I was there Gandalf, three thousand years ago). Occasionally, you’ll see an Italian footballer with the number 99 on his shirt, which is slightly arrogant. The PSG goalkeeper wears the number 99, he’s Italian, but he was also born in 1999, so I believe that’s the reason for it.

[@RnR-Rebel]

@adam461smith - my great great grandfather worked for King Umberto I who gave him the title of Conte. (Sadly my great grandfather gave up the title to become a US citizen around the late 19thC😢.) His wood carvings are still in his castle in Naples😊.

[@Drew-Dastardly]

I agree. The 99er is probably £9.99 outside of the Museums in South Ken. When I was a kid it was the more expensive ice cream but 15 pence or so. The problem with chocolates like Flake is they are not designed for frozen. Any chocolatier will massively add the sugar to it if it is going to go with an ice cream.

[@Robert-Gulfstream]

The Queen of KZbin has another hit. ❤ it’s great hanging out with you on another walk ❤ Hannah you absolutely crack me up 😂 I sure hope someone brightens your weekend as much as you have brightened mine🎉

[@EricAlanWeinstein]

L'Occitane was actually there 30 years ago! I lived in the Covent Garden area from 1990-1994 and used to drink at the Nag's Head once or twice a week until 2006. I used to get soap and skin products there for my wife and myself all the time. Han--great work.

[@potholer54]

Young people don't like Covent Garden? I guess it's different for a 70-year old Londoner like myself. I used to come here when it was a fruit and veg market (no brands!), and when that moved the GLC had this terrible idea of tearing the whole place down and putting up an office block. A long, hard fight saved it. So I guess when I come here it's to appreciate the fact that this iconic building was saved. It's like the opposite of "You don't know what you've got til it's gone." I guess if younger people never lived under the threat of losing it they may not appreciate it as much.

[@lauraeva57]

I remember it was under serious threat of redevelopment / demolition like Les Halles in Paris. Luckily the market buildings got historic buildings protection in 1973 the year before the fruit market transferred out and after five years of dereliction opened in 1980 as a tourist oriented shopping mall. I first knew it in the early '80s, a modest place with bookshops and affordable food. The circus type acts in the plaza were fighting to get permits / licenses. Had the cleanest public loos in London (made the news). I weep for how the whole area has become upmarket retail and dining for largely rich tourists.

[@fiddley]

@potholer54 Woah, fancy seeing you here! Hope there's no graphs in this video 😁

[@janetley2570]

I loved your walk around Hannah. I don’t go into London so much and you have encouraged me to go to Covent Garden. A favourite shop of mine long since closed, was The Covent Garden General Store. They sold a fascinating mix of items. I still have a small bamboo come rattan case I bought there.

[@paperandtwine]

I’m not super young 🤣 60 next year. I went to uni in London in 1983 and loved Covent Garden. It’s where I first came across Hobbs and Monsoon who were quite small brands in those days. Ended up getting a Saturday job in Covent Garden in 1985/6, such happy times. Remember seeing Rod Stewart outside Paul,Smith on my lunch break one day

[@Mavtrav]

You are so likeable. I know a couple of KZbinr’s and you are the only one I can happily listen to without being annoyed. You should be a tv presenter.

[@captainawesome5560]

Why am I suddenly so happy????? Oh yeah!! New Hannah video just dropped! Happy Friday!!! 🎉 😎 🎈

[@HarshadPatel-he6gg]

Another amazing video from Hannah can’t wait to visit London again 😊

[@kelliewilson8221]

Yep. Definitely brightens up the day

[@sharonsmith583]

Same!

[@jennfitz0189]

Same. Same. Hannah posts instant boost ❤

[@cirillosongs]

I just found your channel, I can tell you're an authority on London. I visited London, Great Britain in 1994 and are looking to visit again. I love the music and the architecture and the character of the people of England.

[@wambugumassive]

Used to "dress the windows" for French Connection back in the 80s... I spent a lot of time in Covent Garden as a result. It's been ages since I have visited. Tricky as I now live in Nairobi. Great little trip down "memory lane"... Except, it's changed a lot since then. Used to go to all the pubs you mentioned. I don't drink alcohol any more, mind you. (Possibly because in my youth I spent a little too much of my time getting drunk). Next time I'm back in the UK, I must pay it a visit, as I guess I now can be classed as a "tourist". Thanks for your informative guided tour!

[@kelliewilson8221]

Coffee is on us. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@HannahRicketts]

Thank you, that’s super kind!

[@markturner1970]

I haven't been for a while but as a Londoner myself it is one of my favourite places to just have a wander around. Used to deliver there too which was always fun finding somewhere to park.

[@dianafrances6880]

Hannah, my mum and I are coming to London September of next year. I am bespeaking into the universe that we bump into you. She and I both adore you!

[@garygarrison4336]

Thank you Hannah for sharing another part of London . Have a good weekend.

[@bellaD7]

We love Convent Garden. Love that there are street performers even if we don’t always stop to watch. Saw the wonderful dresses made from flowers back in 2019. Florists meet couture. There were 12 mannequins in all. Was part of Convent Garden in bloom. You can book a backstage tour of the Royal Opera house where you can see costumes for current Opera and ballet shows. You may even be lucky enough to see ballet dancers rehearsing as we did. Of course we went up to the bar which you showed. We were lucky enough to get seats overlooking Convent Garden. 😊

[@DarcyDigs]

I adored this and agree! As an ex-Londoner (I grew up not far) it's true that Londoners tend to avoid Covent Garden (esp the piazza) because it’s crowded with tourists; but it's also genuinely lovely! It has gorgeous restaurants (including one of London’s oldest, Rules), upscale shops and the area is a haven for vintage boutiques around the Shorts Gardens and Neal Street area. Whenever I’m back in London I come here.

[@jonmould2946]

It's because she has poor friends.

[@eleanorbesly9868]

Enjoyed that walkabout, Hannah. Glad you went to Neal’s Yard. I used that skin care for ages, wonderful scent. Maybe I’ll try it again! I can tell you why I don’t go there: as much as I love the street performers, I hate that they all have loudspeakers. It just gets so loud and abrasive, at least to me. Mate, you have a microphone, stop shouting!! 😂. I was looking for the Agatha Christie statue thing, is it still there? I’ve never been upstairs to that bar, so thanks for showing it! I actually remember it when the area was full of little independent shops and kiosks, and good second hand shops. It was a lively, very mixed and unique area. I really hope you go to Covent Gardens at the Christmas season. It’s kind of magical, and the decorations are always good. Thanks for the tour, and as always, for just the right amount of the local history, particularly the quirky bits! Have a great week, see you next Friday.

[@robertbrook1658]

Thanks

[@HannahRicketts]

Thanks for the channel support!

[@achmadosman9807]

When I visit London as a tourist, Covent Garden is my go to place. I used to work for global brand and had to visit the headquarters in London so a quick few hours spare was always to Covent Garden.

[@pokeyjeanne]

Love Covent Garden ever since I saw Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" in 1965. Even better in person. It just has this lovely cheerful energy. Never boring!

[@vanessawyndham8791]

Hello!!! Covent Garden is one of my favorite places to visit. Full of tourists like myself (of course) but I like to meander around the area to see what's going on, check out the shops and have a meal at one of the more classic eating places in the area. It's lots of fun and a great way to spend a few hours.

[@dianeperone6055]

Thanks! Your tip about the train station = gold.

[@HannahRicketts]

Thanks so much!!

[@joesoy9185]

1:20 A good alternative is to exit the tube at Leicester Square and walk a couple of minutes to Covent Garden, particularly at rush hour and weekends. It's clearly signposted.

[@juneseghni]

I usd to do that and go to the travel bookshop. is is still there I wonder

[@jasonire]

Oasis tickets, same. Waste of time. Covent Garden - been a while, definitely will be back - great video Hannah

[@HannahRicketts]

Thank you, that’s so kind of you!!

[@jameshollyoak8230]

Yes Severn dials , I was so lucky to live there many years ago, when the shops were all independent ones , was brilliant getting a drink from the crown pub and sitting on the monument looking out for famous people walking by , saw loads, pineapple dance studio attracted loads of famous people, good times

[@carmenmcgowan3968]

One of my favourite places you’ve shown us in London … cute little corners, art, performers and coffeee .. ! Thanks Hannah x

[@mikel5980]

I personally like Covent Garden. I used to go there a lot in my 20s to wander around, have lunch and watching the street performances. It holds a lot of special memories for me.

[@seenit4]

I do the exact same

[@ShakirahIbaad]

I just went recently and I feel like it was one of my favourite places. It’s got lovely architecture and the shops and restaurants are really nice (even if a bit pricey).

[@AnnBarr-ee4sx]

I can remember when there was a flower market here, definitely showing my age. It’s still a must go to every time I come home. Great video, thank you for sharing.

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

We had fish and chips at the Nags Head pub in 2010. Great walking around covenant Gardens with you. Cheers Ron and Dovie

[@XJMX]

Covent Garden used to be great. The Rock Garden (music venue), Africa Centre (culture and club nights), lots of interesting shops and cafes. As soon as the Apple store arrived, the change started- now it is just full of designer fashion stores catering to tourists (who inevitably can just buy the same things wherever they are from). I think Neal's Yard/ Seven Dials still has a bit of that old charm, but for me it's best avoided. That being said The London Transport Museum and The Moomin shop are great.

[@saydvoncripps]

Up the road in soho, there used to be a book shop called Dark They Were And Golden Eyed, after the Sci fy story. I loved that place! And the markets that went for streets at the back of Oxford St. Used to get my clothes from there.

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

Fun fact: In late 90s they used some parts from the Transport Museum exibits to fix issues on the Northern Line.

[@tombley5760]

It was great in the mid '90's.

[@Isleofskye]

Please watch "London 1967" to really see the London Vibe:)

[@tombley5760]

@@Isleofskye ..the common denominator being (nearly) no internet.

[@Isleofskye]

@@tombley5760 That one was a very important factor 'tis true:)

[@NadiaHassan-km7gg]

Exactly. Now it's a bit rough there comparing to how nice and artistic it was in the early 2000s, though still great on the weekends for free shows, as I've been there several times with my husband & children.

[@FazlynJakoet]

I'm from South Africa but lived in London and worked in Covent Garden in the 1990's. Love the trip down memory lane. Thanks ❤❤❤

[@mormob]

Hi Hannah. Posh soaps and hand lotions were definitely there twenty years ago. By the time we moved into our office in Henrietta Street in 1982/3 the apple market and other market were in full swing. The whole area was saved from developers in the late 70s and preserved thank goodness! And yes there were many individual shops, hardly any chains then.

[@WayneSchowalter]

My week isn’t complete until I see the newest Hannah Ricketts video. And you never fail to entertain. Your bits and bobs of history, humor and fabulous photography always make me happy. But your humor that comes out of left field is what I truly love: On the ice cream- “You’re going to well and truly get bent over.” And the last line- “I walked for three mins and got a cab…shh.” Just delightful. Lastly, I wait every week to hear you say the word mooch. Thanks for making my world!

[@matthewtorchiana6418]

Hannah, you're commentary tickles my funny bone. If I find myself in London, I would love to go shopping with you. Sorry about the Oasis Concert. Perhaps someone will find a seat for you. Cheers

[@Tinrebel]

Hannah, I just love your walks! I love Covent Garden, stayed at a hotel nearby, saw theatre every night, even Sleeping Beauty with the Royal Ballet and enjoyed the walking around. It can be very touristy but I love the energy but there seems to be more upper end stores now! Thanks!

[@debrasams2362]

This area looks good to me. The architecture is beautiful. I'm not young and I love watching your videos (68)!! Thanks much for sharing.😊

[@GenXMind67]

Perhaps someday I will be able to return to visit London. Until then, Hannah Ricketts is my virtual tour guide. Thank you, Hannah, I really do enjoy your escapades around London.

[@straycat1403]

We stayed in Covet Garden (at The Strand Palace). It was very crowded and touristy but we enjoyed it and Trafalgar Square and National Gallery were close by so it was worth it.

[@deniseg-hill1730]

I used to work at the Strand Palace Hotel when Covent Garden was the wholesale fruit and vegetable market that was at the beginning of the 70s

[@DougArmstrong-k5d]

We loved Covent Garden, despite the busyness of it. We were tourists, of course, and it was all new to us, but there was so much to see and do - and eat! Our hotel was close by, so we were able to visit often. We dined at Rules one evening and really enjoyed the atmosphere, the food, and the service. The theatre we went to was also nearby and an easy walk before and after the show. We definitely want to return when we next come to London.

[@susandavis4821]

Evening Hannah in my stomping ground! worked in the Strand for 30 years and frequented Covent Garden all the time. I think the shops were better in the 90's and the market was so so much better than now. Shame you didn't get Oasis tickets, they do not do it for me. or Taylor Swift don't know why people go so mad. Use to organise Pub crawls round Covent Garden and surrounding areas all the time we were a boozy lot. Enjoyed the vlog thank you Hannah

[@JennaFowler1]

Yes, it was so much better then! Too many High Street chains now.

[@markboekraad7525]

Thanks!

[@HannahRicketts]

Thank you so much!

[@veronicamanning5582]

Covent Garden was always my go to place when I lived in Surrey. My uncle and cousin used to live in a flat in Drury Lane. Love this place at Christmas. Brought back lots of happy memories watching your video. Thanks for another great vlog!

[@LeungGeum]

Very nice video Hannah I first discovered Covent Garden in the mid 90’s when I worked at Trafalgar Square. It was a great shopping place Timberland and Carhaart opened their first UK shops in the area. It had a cool vibe back then when all the tourists went to Oxford Street and us Londoners would go to the Punch and Judy or the Walkabout Inn on a Friday night for after work drinks. Now my wife and I enjoy shopping in the area a lot especially during Spring. 😎

[@enriquesanchez2001]

BUST OF: Jean Neuhaus - the Belgian Chocolatier!

[@brittanyclairemay9803]

Basingstoke here (although presently living in Siesta Key, FL USA) and I love, love, LOVE Covent Garden for a few specific reasons 1. THE STAIRS, which I always duck into and walk up so that I dont have to skip pudding 😂 2. I get my Christmas cards from the church (starting in November in the narthex) 3. Sooo many popups, including Veuve Clicquot's and one-night-only club pop-ups that have been some of the best times of my life. 🥂

[@ianforber]

I often visit Covent Garden. I used to work 5 mins away and go there now to take photos - I’ll be there tomorrow on a street photography photo walk. Loving your videos by the way. You have a really nice and engaging style.

[@iralia333]

The very first Body Shop opened in 1981 in Covent Garden and there was a wonderful vegetarian restaurant where we sat on long benches. The market was great, too. All the theatres were magical. Aaah, Nostalgia ..thanks for another video.

[@Resmith18SR]

Hi, I remember the same places and I think the name of that vegetarian restaurant with the long benches was called Cranks.

[@iralia333]

@@Resmith18SR yes, it was! Thank you. It was annoying me that I had forgotten.

[@Alan_Mac]

This is nonsense. The Body Shop opened in Brighton - where Anita Roddick lived. FFS!

[@coliniveson2122]

Nice video. I'd forgotten just how attractive Covent Garden and Seven Dials areas really are. No doubt the sunshine helps. Must revisit soon.

[@isabellind1292]

Thank you, Hannah Ricketts. You're a breath of fresh air. Thank you for showing us around London! Always such a treat. ⭐🌺⭐

[@jackiebeans2689]

Another great mooch!! I definitely would visit Covent Garden. Thanks for taking us there.💕💕💕💕💫

[@paacer]

Don't know what you're talking about Hannah . I've lived in West London for over 20 yrs and I love Covent Garden and I love the area and the markets and the Opera House , and everyone I know in London say it's one of their favourite places to visit . I agree about the tube station so I never use it but prefer the short walk to Tottenham Ct. Rd. tube station as i like the walk and it's more convenient for me on the Central Line .

[@Kh13570]

I'm not gonna lie....born and bred in London...and I love Covent Garden! Great place to walk around and mooch!

[@catevanslife]

I used to go to Covent Garden when hubby and I lived in London. We left West London 8 years ago (which we sometimes regret) but we still visit Covent Garden a few times a year. Before I moved to LONDON, I used to visit Covent Garden with my brother (and occasionally sister-in-law) who has lived in London for over 30 years now. I really like the Apple Market and also go to Neuhaus, my favourite chocolatier. Their customer service is really good and the chocolates are amazing. What a fab vid!

[@jeremyrogers5103]

I continue to enjoy your rambles .......!

[@mimivvv888]

I used to work in Covent Garden - and I actually miss the place! There were so many places to get a decent lunch or dinner after work. A lot of tourists over the summer but not as bad as Westminster!

[@gz6878]

Love love love your presantation so much❤❤❤ you should be on TV❤

[@fleemwings207]

I lived in London in the 1980s and usually go to Covent Garden in the evenings - they had nice wine bars then. On weekends, it was a buskers' paradise. I will be visiting London next week and will check it out again after all these decades!

[@JTTW1455]

Covent Garden was fun to walk with you, Hannah, thank you.

[@TERFClub]

I nearly always go to Covent Garden when I’m in London just find it quite chilled there. Love all the plants they have around makes a difference,.

[@rogertemple7193]

This is another magnificently awesome tour of London looking at the nice areas of the city take care and have a beautifully fantastic weekend Thank You Lady Hannah.💗🇬🇧

[@annamarie7618]

Omg……..We just LOVE your cheerfulness . When we watch your videos, you make our day💞. Thank you so much Hannah. We need more people in the world like you. Our love and appreciation from Canada !🇨🇦

[@Buns1172]

Was involved in the area in the mid seventies when the fruit & veg market moved to Nine Elms. The aspirations of those days for the area to be for the local people never materialised and eventually corporate succeeded 😥😥 Do visit occasionally, but only to relive my youth. As always - honest commentary which has my wife and I in stitches 🤣🤣 Keep up the fantastic work 👏👏

[@jaks6052]

Love Covent Garden’s.. people watching…History …building…etc fabulous ☕️🥰💞xx

[@annbenoit8535]

I decided to try the stairs once, just about killed me. lol I do love Covent Garden, specially at Christmas.

[@michaelharrison3602]

If you think the stairs at Covent garden don't go to stops further to Russel square it's the deepest Station in London and the stairs will probably kill you

[@KeenAesthetic1]

It's quite hectic and one-paced. The loudness pervades the piazza but as a Londoner mixing it in with the back streets make it great.

[@yelenavics1830]

Thank you Hannah for taking me on Covent Garden stroll with you. Big thumbs up👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@shirleymclean5895]

Loads of fab memories of CG and Neals Yard. Agree, love the little lanes and pretty buildings! Nice work, love the little history bits!

[@josephinepoku1260]

I love Camden. I went to the Camden Lock club when I was at University. They organised an event there.

[@lbb5106]

Was there the week before and it was busy but so lovely to see the architecture. Even went in to the Opera house for a cheeky rose!!

[@SantaDeerhound]

I walk through Covent Garden all the time but never go in anywhere because you can't move - and those 'Rainbow Chariots' are a blight on all of our senses. Other places to seek out round there are The Diamond Jubilee Garden behind St Paul's Church where there is an old police box (Tardis) and it's usually very peaceful on the benches to have a sandwich. Also the Nell Gwynne Tavern is a really old pub down a tiny Alley between Cov G and The Strand. Lastly Goodwin's Court which is a tiny alleyway that runs between St Martin's Lane and Bedfordbury and is like Diagon Alley from Harry Potter complete with working gas lanterns.

[@zalzalahbuttsaab]

Ah! Some new Hannah Ricketts stress busting therapy!

[@susan8823]

Wonderful mooch as you say!! 🇺🇸. Visited in 1982 Covent Garden was a bit less gentrified ☺️ Anxious for another visit, thank you very much 💞

[@carloschbn]

Beautiful vlog Hannah! It's a shame that some Londoners avoid Covent Garden. While so many tourists pay a lot of money to visit it. Covent Garden is really cool, with so many interesting places to visit, a gorgeous architecture, full of cool shops and full of history too. Thumbs up 👍for you Hannah!!! Because you did a great job filming there and braving that hot 28°C! At least hot for a londoner, because here in Rio de Janeiro, 40°C or plus is very normal. Wishing you a wonderful Friday! 😎💂💐🌹🌷🌻🌼🦋🐞

[@reneelancaster8714]

Thank you SO much, Hannah! This is exactly where I wanted you to show us!

[@LisaAdams-zd4pw]

Thanks!

[@HannahRicketts]

Thanks for the support!

[@lyndabond1443]

It’s Friday Hannah posting 🎉🎉. I personally like Covent garden’s especially for a walk about. I enjoy the street entertainment and architecture 😊❤.

[@lyricaldove]

I visit London almost every year and really like Covent Garden. Thanks for highlighting the different areas. I was waiting for you to talk about Jubilee Market. Saturdays, Sundays and especially Mondays are my favorite days to go there. Saturdays and Sundays have crafts, scarves and other interesting items. Mondays are the days to get antiques, especially well priced silver jewelry. I have gotten some beautiful pieces of jewelry some as cheap as £5. I think the most I spent on a Monday was around £35 for a piece of jewelry. Some of the jewelry is silver and marcasite. The other days, at Jubilee Market, are mostly touristy items.

[@hittpitch1019]

You are SO freakin' GORGEOUS! The nation should put you in charge of making tourist videos for the whole country. I know I'd make the trip!

[@lynettefinnigan9540]

Oh gosh...I loved seeing those old buildings, I can see Australia's history!❤🇦🇺 the big brick Garden Markets, we have a similar one in Melbourne Victoria... and the old shopping archade looks like Adelaide Archade in Adelaide South Australia,... its funny, we stayed in Covernt Gardens in a little unit..nearly 20yrs ago.... I don't recognise it at all on your film.....a lot sunnier than when we were there too, but we had a great time, loved London and all of our UK trip...great little food places, we went to a pub comedy night that someone gave us a flyer for, and had a great laugh..❤❤❤ And Yes!! Every Aussie takes a photo of themselves and the family. . In a Red Phone box (and we all ask why is Dr Whos blue????) And the ride on the eye is increadible....❤ loved it all.

[@sadhumannell2769]

Former cops box, never got to see inside but assumed there was a phone,they were all very dark blue with a flashing blue light on the roof, many scattered around London. 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@senglim7972]

Just opposite and in front of Covent garden underground station used to be that nice retail establishment called "The General Store". It used to carry unique items especially during Christmas. Pity it is no longer there anymore.

[@JennaFowler1]

I loved that store! I bought a beautiful Halloween pumpkin from there. It was made of foam and had a cute face. I still have it!

[@darlenechandler2403]

It was a beautiful shop. Petersham Nurseries was interesting when they had their shop with the restaurants, but took the shop out and made more restaurant space. Nice in their takeaway area beside the restaurants and stop for a quick casual small meal and coffee.

[@johndaarteest]

I remember that place, it used to do dried fruit Christmas wreaths. Also the Tea Shop that used to be round the corner until a few years ago, always had a lovely smell when you went in.

[@sararichardson737]

Oh yeah. That was a great shop!

[@shelleyphilcox4743]

They used to sell a fantastic selection of loose leaf tea...I used to buy tne blend called 'Rosie Lee' and their orange pekoe.

[@aliciaking2464]

Awe that takes me back to 1995/6/7 when I was there,I used to love hanging out in convent garden,I’d go on a Sunday,thanks Hannah for bringing back my bestest times ..😇🌏

[@elizabethcalderon6116]

Made the mistake with those steps in the underground, I wanted to look fitness 😂 little did I know. It was me and another lady almost dying but at least we were laughing at the biggest mistake of our lives on the way up 😥😂. But never again! Thank you Hannah! That was so interesting!!

[@sadhumannell2769]

Yes that station and lifts always felt creepy.🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@17witchie]

I have to laugh slightly that any part of London isn't considered touristy. No idea how it would be considered worse to go out there than some other areas. Anyway I was lucky enough to live and work in London slightly near Covent Garden. Never used that tube station. Probably sensibly. Walked as often as possible. I really loved Covent Garden. To me it was fun people watching and mooching 😊 You can buy if you want, or not. You can eat if you want, or not. Drink...etc. Absolutely loved Neal's Yard. (The products from Neal's Yard Remedies are really good by the way. Can get a tiny range in Australia but nothing like the full range.) It was 2005 to around 2009 that I was there, last time would have been on holiday in 2012. Looks like a few changes but definitely felt like "home" too.

[@gollyboys1]

Aaah the Crusting Pipe, I worked there for a while in the 1980s, it was my 2nd job whilst working in retail. It was hell, always so busy and full of tourists. After my shift finished at midnight we had to bring all those tables and chairs inside. It was always so late that I had to get a taxi home to Clapham which swallowed up most of my pay. Covent Garden was quite different back then

[@dhjrtw]

Ah Rules! Heading there for the first time next Sunday 😁