Seven Dials, Covent Garden WC2
Tucked just a short wander from the bustle of Covent Garden’s main piazza, Seven Dials is where history, hipster cafés, and hidden gems collide—literally—at a monument that looks like a giant concrete starburst on legs. This quirky little hub brings together seven atmospheric streets in a perfect pie-slice of central London charm.
A Shady Past…
Back in the 1690s, Seven Dials was part of a grand plan to attract the upper crust with its fancy star-shaped street layout. Spoiler alert: that didn’t quite work out. By the 18th and 19th centuries, it was more pickpockets and gin shops than powdered wigs and poetry. Dickens even wrote about the area’s grimy reputation. Picture smoky alleyways, dodgy dealings, and more than a few shady characters. A real-life London noir.
But Then… a Glow-Up
Fast-forward to today and Seven Dials has swapped its grime for gloss. It’s now a thriving little “urban village” packed with independent boutiques, creative agencies, wellness spots, and artisan everything. Want Swedish skincare? Vegan doughnuts? Vintage denim? It’s all here—and usually within a few steps of a luxury candle shop or two.
The Monument in the Middle
At the heart of it all stands the Seven Dials monument—a tall column topped with six sundials. Yes, six. The designer, Thomas Neale, apparently forgot how to count (or cleverly included the column itself as the seventh). Either way, it makes a great meeting spot and photo backdrop, especially if you’re trying to triangulate your friends who’ve wandered off in search of oat flat whites.
Why You’ll Love It
Seven Dials is perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll. It feels like a secret: quieter than the main tourist haunts, but full of personality and atmosphere. There’s street food and stylish pubs, pop-ups and plays, and plenty of charming spots to sit and watch the world (and some very well-dressed Londoners) go by.
Top Tip:
Get there early-ish to beat the crowds and enjoy the cobbled streets before they’re full of people saying, “Wait, which way is Monmouth Coffee again?”
In short, Seven Dials is London in miniature: layered with history, full of character, and always ready for its next reinvention.
