Wonderfully wedged between Covent Garden and Soho, Seven Dials is a beloved neighbourhood in central London that has been charming locals and visitors alike for generations. This quirky area famed for its cobbled streets and colourful buildings offers a fantastic mix of food, theatre, shopping, and hidden gems–so naturally, we’re going to break it down for you!
Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed coffee to kick-start your day, a dazzling West End show, or a little bit of retail therapy, there’s something for everyone in and around Seven Dials. So without further ado, here’s a round-up of the best things to do in the area for your next visit.
1. Get your caffeine fix at Monmouth Coffee
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, there’s no better way to start your day in Seven Dials than visiting Monmouth Coffee. Known for their expertly roasted beans and perfectly brewed cups of coffee, Monmouth has long been one of London’s favourite coffee spots.
Its small and cosy vibe is all part of the charm, making it the perfect spot to order a flat white and watch the world go by. Their sweet treats and baked goods are equally as good, so keep this adored coffee shop in mind if you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up.
📍27 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9EU.
2. Have a wander around Neal’s Yard
Known for being the picture-perfect (and beautifully vibrant) corner of Covent Garden, no visit to Seven Dials is complete without a little gander around Neal’s Yard. Hidden away off Monmouth Street, this colourful courtyard feels like something out of a fairytale, with this magical slice of bohemian allure.
With a fabulous selection of independent shops and cosy cafés, it’s more than easy to spend an entire afternoon here. Stock up on natural skincare from Neal’s Yard Remedies or enjoy a slice of pizza from Homeslice–just don’t forget to snap up a picture for the ‘gram.
📍Neal’s Yard, off Monmouth Street.
3. Watch the wonderful Matilda Musical
For theatre lovers, catching a performance of Matilda: The Musical is an absolute must. Based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl, this award-winning West End production at the Cambridge Theatre offers an unforgettable blend of charm, wit, and toe-tapping musical numbers.
So, whether you’re on the hunt for your next solo theatre trip or fancy a night out with the family, Matilda is a heartwarming experience that captures the magic of the books in an immersive and captivating way. For more information and tickets, click here.
📍Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street/Seven Dials Junction.
4. Chow down at Seven Dials Market
An undeniable foodie safe haven, Seven Dials Market is an awesome indoor food hall that’s brimming with drool-worthy options. This bustling hotspot has something for everyone–whether you’re craving street food staples, gourmet burgers, or an indulgent sweet treat after exploring the area.
Don’t miss Pick & Cheese, where you can sample different cheeses served via a sushi-style conveyor belt! However, there are so many incredible options that we highly recommend heading here on an empty stomach so you don’t have to limit yourself to one eatery.
📍Earlham Street, London WC2H 9AU.
5. Witness the oldest West End show in London
Nearing a 75-year run, Mousetrap is one of the many must-see West End shows in London that doubles as the oldest in the capital! This beloved Agatha Christie story remains just as gripping as its opening night, sharing the thrilling tale of a group stuck in a snowy hotel, with a sneaky killer among them causing terror. Will you be able to figure out the culprit before curtain call, or are you in for a stark surprise? Find out and book your tickets for this fabulous theatre production, today!
📍St. Martin’s Theatre, West Street, London, WC2H 9NZ
6. Admire the striking Sundial Pillar
Located just outside the Cambridge Theatre and in the very heart of Seven Dials is the Sundial Pillar, an iconic landmark and meeting point for locals and tourists alike. Erected in the 17th century, this seven-faced monument gives the area its name, with each face of the structure pointing towards one of the Seven Dials’ streets.
Stop by for a photo and explore all the charming shops along said streets–where that old-school, London charm meets this contemporary buzz and infectious energy, which almost guarantees another visit to the area.
📍Seven Dials Junction
7. Get the pints in at the best pubs in Seven Dials
There’s no doubt that Seven Dials and the surrounding Covent Garden area are both jam-packed with some fantastic pubs. The Two Brewers, nestled on Monmouth Street, offers an intimate atmosphere for a pint or two, with an incredible selection of beers and ales to boot!
Another great option is The Crown, located a stone’s throw away from The Two Brewers, boasting lively vibes on the weekend and some top-notch pub grub. It’s perfect for some people-watching over a cold one, or catching up with mates after work. However, both pubs offer a quintessential British pub experience so keep them in mind for the next time you’re in the area.
📍The Two Brewers is located at 40 Monmouth St, London, WC2H 9EU. Find The Crown at 43 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9EW.
8. See what’s on at Donmar Warehouse
Consider yourself a fan of fringe and off-West End theatre? Donmar Warehouse is the spot for you! This intimate venue is renowned for its cutting-edge performances and thought-provoking productions, so it’s always worth checking out what’s on.
Whether you’re seeking the best from contemporary theatre or a modern twist on a timeless classic, Donmar Warehouse offers the ultimate theatre experience for both polished thespians and unaware novices. For more information and their current lineup, click here.
📍41 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LX.
9. Stock up on geeky goodies at The Noble Collection
Step into a world of wonder at The Noble Collection, an adored treasure trove for fans of film and fantasy, with immersive theming and displays to boot! This magical shop is a dream come true for collectors, offering replicas, merch, and memorabilia from beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or more recently, Wicked.
Whether you’ve always dreamed of owning a wand, love collecting figurines, or just want to be briefly immersed in a magical world whilst shopping, keep The Noble Collection in mind the next time you’re exploring Seven Dials. For more information, read our article here.
📍28 Neal St, London WC2H 9PS.
10. Indulge in some retail therapy at the vintage shops
Who doesn’t love a bit of vintage shopping? Luckily for us Londoners, Seven Dials is home to some incredible vintage shops that are all in close proximity to one another, making it one of the best places in the capital for the trend-seeking pastime.
Pop into COW Vintage for a mix of curated and retro pieces, or Vintage Threads for quirky clothing with bold character. Seven Dials is also home to the renowned ROKIT, a thrifting institution in London with everything from denim and leather jackets to festival-ready wear.
📍Find COW and Vintage Treats at Short’s Gardens, London WC2H 9AT. Rokit is located at 42 Shelton St, London WC2H 9HZ.
11. Enjoy a bougie afternoon tea at Brasserie Max
When it comes to afternoon tea, it doesn’t get much better than Brasserie Max at the luxe Covent Garden Hotel. Their fabulous Royal Afternoon Tea features all the staples: a wide array of speciality teas and infusions, drool-worthy sandwiches, fluffy Scones with clotted cream and preserves, along with fantastic cakes, pastries and patisserie like the Victoria sponge and Lemon mousse with shortbread – it’s an absolute dream.
📍 Covent Garden Hotel, 10 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9HB.
12. Wine and dine at Rossodisera
For an authentic tase of Italy, Rossodisera offers a mouth-watering experience that transports you to the beating heart of Rome. Known for its traditional Italian dishes, this cosy trattoria is the perfect place for a relaxed dinner after a busy day exploring Seval Dials, or for some unbearably charming pre-theatre romance.
From their handmade pasta to one of the richest tiramisus in London, each dish is a celebration of Italian cuisine, using simple and fresh ingredients to create those beautifully bold flavours.
📍5 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9DA.
13. Catch a show at the Seven Dials Playhouse
Another theatreland option; this is the West End after all! The Seven Dials Playhouse is another beloved venue famed for its indie shows and performances. From gripping dramas to knee-smacking comedies, there’s always something on the roster that’ll cater to anyone and everyone. For more information and their current offerings, click here to visit their website.
📍1A Tower St, London WC2H 9NP
14. Enjoy a cocktail or two at The Escapologist
When it comes to brilliant bars in Covent Garden, The Escapologist takes the cake. This Seven Dials gem transports you back to the Victorian era with a stunningly surrealist edge, serving up crafty cocktails that are an absolute dream.
There’s even an incredible bottomless brunch on the weekends if you’re up for a boozy boost in the heart of Seven Dials. For more information and bookings, click here to visit their website.
📍35 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LD.
15. Do some futher exploring in Covent Garden
Seven Dials is located on the edges of Covent Garden, so you may as well explore the entire neighbourhood. From watching street performers from the iconic Punch and Judy pub to more West End wonders, there’s so much to do in Covent Garden that we had to create another Secret Club round-up. Check it out, here.
Other nearby neighbourhoods nearby include Soho, Holbourn, and Fitzrovia.
📍Covent Garden is located down Mercer Street when leaving Seven Dials.
So there we have it–Seven Dials is a charming slice of London that’s brimming with life and hidden delights. Whether you’re visiting for the theatre, the food, or the shopping, there’s always something new to discover with surprises around every corner.