
Tucked away down a tiny side street in Seven Dials is Neal’s Yard, one of London’s prettiest streets. It’s easy to miss, but it would be unfortunate if you did. Inside this little enclave, you can get everything from pizza to pedicures, and every business is committed to sustainable and ethical commercial practices.
Not too long ago, Neal’s Yard was simply a waste area filled with bins. So, instead of people capturing that perfect Instagram shot, you’d probably find rats. Luckily, before it was demolished, a bloke called Nicholas Saunders used his entrepreneurial skills to save the area and create the buzzing, colourful corner that it is today.
It all started with Saunders’ very own whole food store, but everyone initially thought he was mad. Neal’s Yard wasn’t even on the map! Anyway, long story short, the whole thing ended up being a huge success, and soon there wasn’t a single empty building in the yard. Read all about the brilliant story of Nicholas Saunders and the beginning of Neal’s Yard here.
Here are some of the best things you’ll find if you visit Neal’s yard today!
Homeslice
This humble pizza joint allows you to buy pizza by the slice but, on the other end of the spectrum, you can also get a whomping great 20″ pizza. Their flavours are hugely diverse, with one pizza coming topped with air-dried wagyu beef, truffle crème fraîche, cipollini onions, and salsa verde. But don’t worry if you can’t pick – their massive pies can come split half and half with other toppings. And, of course, you have to try the eponymously topped Neal’s Yard Fairy 4 cheese, jalapeño salsa & rye crumb pizza!
Neal’s Yard Remedies
Neal’s Yard Remedies focuses on all-natural and organic health and beauty products. Established in 1981, it started life simply as a tiny little store in a corner of London that was barely on the map. And now they’re a global leader in the industry. They pride themselves on being a family business that cares deeply for the planet – all of their products are cruelty-free, certified organic and 100% ethical.
St. JOHN Bakery
St. JOHN has become world famous for its nose-to-tail approach to food and gloriously offbeat attitude that suffuses their Michelin-starred restaurant with a sense of humour and relaxation. They’re also often touted as having some of the best doughnuts in London – which you can easily grab from their Neal’s Yard bakery. If it were up to us, we’d order one of everything!
Compagnie Des Vins Surnaturels
10 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H, Royaume-Uni
+44 20 7734 7737
This gorgeous little wine bar is the perfect spot for any occasion. A sommelier will come and talk you through their selection of 400 different wines, and they’ll help you pick something based on your preferences. If you’re stopping for food, your choices are plentiful: there’s everything from cheese and charcuterie to salads and spaghetti. Their sandwiches are also not to be missed! Settle in for a wonderfully lazy evening.
Casanova & Daughters
Casanova & Daughters is another great place for a glass of wine. This one is a little further along and focuses on Italian produce. Doubling up as a Sicilian deli as well as a wine bar, you’ll find beautiful olive oils, wild oregano, pecorino, anchovies, and so much more. All run by a man who quit the circus to open up shop in London, the bar is both friendly and authentic – the perfect set-up for a summer’s evening.
And it doesn’t stop there…
There are plenty of other places inside Neal’s Yard, including quirky beauty clinics and hairdressers. You’ll find it all hidden away between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street (WC2H 9DP). If you’re simply looking for somewhere to unwind on a busy day out in London, the courtyard benches are a delightful place to pop down and marvel at the tiny colour-filled area of London.