Box BarThe Box Bar is unofficially the haunt of the mature gay community in Covent Garden. A contemporary and very popular venue on Monmouth Street which could be an alternative to the occasionally overwhelming streets of Soho.
ChandosA very comfortable boozer on St Martins Lane, conveniently located just off the Strand should you wish to grab a swift half before the journey home from Charing Cross.
29 St Martins Lane,
Strand,
London,
WC2N 4ER
Coach and HorsesNot far from the famous Piazza, this a bright and breezy traditional pub on Wellington Street.
42 Wellington Street,
London,
WC2E 7BD
The Corner Store(British)This is a popular Covent Garden bar with plenty of DJ nights, live music and comedy events running throughout the year. A viable alternative to the Lion King next door.
Dirty Martini(Modern European)This is a hugely desirable cocktail bar with a menu as long as Russell Street itself.
The ForgeThis is a gorgeous wine bar on Garrick Street with an minimalist, exposed brickwork interior and a fine selection of international wines.
The Freemasons ArmsThis is a Shepherd Neame pub which copes well under the pressure of Covent Garden workers and tourists frequenting the place in serious numbers most evenings.
FreudThis is a funky hang-out after work for those Covent Gardeners in the know.
Guanabara(American, South American)Guanabara is an expansive and stylish bar with a strong Latin flavour. With a host of Brazilian parties and events planned throughout the year, Guanabara is guarenteed to bring out the Carnival King or Queen inside you.
Lamb and FlagIf you feel like sampling some of Covent Garden's history, there's always the historic pub walk. Covent Garden has a plethora of fascinating old pubs with more than a few tales to tell, including the Lamb and Flag, tucked away like a naughty secret up Rose Street.
The LangleyThe Langley is a trendy lounge bar in Covent Garden with a great cocktail menu and regular DJ nights. An intelligent alternative to the slightly more commercial haunts in the West End.
Le GarrickLe Garrick would be a successful option for the wine enthusiast in Covent Garden, providing as it does a carefully-selected wine list from around the world and introducing new and innovative wines on the market.
The Lemon TreeThis is another traditional offering with a super location near the Strand. Not a bad option should you wish to catch footie or rugger too.
4 Bedfordbury,
Strand,
London,
WC2N 4BP
Light BarThis is a gorgeous contemporary assault on the senses with vibrant colours, sleek interiors and enormous photographs of people's faces printed on the walls which, quite frankly, are a little intimidating. An unmissable spot in Covent Garden.
Nell Gwynne TavernAnother historic pub, also tucked away, this time in Bull Inn Court off the Strand. A lovely watering hole with plenty of charm.
2 Bull Inn Court,
Strand,
London,
WC2 0NR
Punch and JudyThe Punch and Judy is slap bang in the middle of the Piazza with the top floor terrace providing the perfect spot for watching those Piazza performers and their largely fire-juggling-related shennanigans.
SalisburyThe Salisbury is another slice of London history on St Martins Lane, a Victorian pub which is almost as lavish as the nearby theatre productions.