This is a sponsored article on behalf of Heart of London Business Alliance.
You don't expect to find this much escapism in the middle of central London...
But then you turn a corner in Covent Garden, and suddenly there it is: a gorgeous pocket of pedestrianisation, theatre, and al fresco dining/drinking for when that early autumn sunshine hits. Well hello there, St Martin's Lane.
Tucked between Covent Garden and Leicester Square, the diminutive street — a slender, historic lane lined with grand Edwardian theatres and Victorian pubs — is the kind that tourists lose their mind over, while Londoners casually hang out at the pavement tables, sipping al fresco martinis among Grade II-listed splendour like it's no big deal. Then they hit one of the street's 34 food spots.
And St Martin's Lane is extra magnetic right now, having been pedestrianised for outdoor dining as part of the Mayor of London's Summer Streets Pilot, supported by Westminster City Council and Heart of London Business Alliance. With 19 pubs, restaurants and cafes taking part until 31 October, you could easily while away a full day feasting, people-watching, and beverage-nursing. Throw incredible West End shows and a swanky five-star hotel into the mix, and we'd happily abscond here for a full 24 hours...
Where to eat, come shine...
Some of the places we're excited to commandeer an al fresco table (from a long, long list):
🥐 St George. Let's face it, the Parisians nailed outdoor dining a long time ago. So why not do breakfast a la française with the help of St George? Soak up the sun over coffee; freshly-baked, jam-smeared baguettes; and patisserie (classics like the pain au raisin, plus a must-try Nutella bignè). Fun fact: St George transforms into a wine bar in the evening, so pop back before bed time for a glass of chablis and a lobster roll.
🍺 The Salisbury. Partial to a pub lunch? Snag a table outside the Salisbury! This Grade II listed watering hole is renowned for its art nouveau interior, but the exterior boasts lashings of its own late Victorian grandeur — think red brick contrasted with deep green woodwork and ornate gold accents. Feast your eyes on the Fin de siècle drama of it all as you tuck into comfort dishes like fish and chips, or steak & ale pie.
🍣 Yari Club. This casual yakitori joint is a must for fans of Japanese cuisine who appreciate a highly customisable meal. Pick and mix flavoursome meat, fish and veggie skewers, build your own bento box, and choose from a wide range of sides and dipping sauces.
🍅 Koshari St. You can really eat your way around the world on St Martin's Lane. Case in point: Koshari Street. This Egyptian eatery is named for Egypt's national dish — a nutritious mix of grains, zesty tomato sauce, a garlicky vinaigrette and crispy onions — which it serves up in many different variations.
🍹 Notes. By day, this small-but-perfectly formed coffee shop offers top tier flat whites and elevated brunch options (goats cheese, walnuts and honey on toast, anyone?) Come evening, it's all about spritzes, charcuterie and Mediterranean small plates — plus cocktails. A post-dinner espresso martini as the sun sets will do us nicely.
...Or rain!
Feeling a bit brisk out there? Fret not — indoor dining is still an option! On top of the aforementioned eateries, there's the likes of Mr Fogg's Tavern (quirky cocktails, cockney singalongs, great pub grub), Mildred's (pioneering vegan fare), and Côte Brasserie (contemporary French cuisine, with excellent value prix fixe menus available). Whichever you opt for, we recommend rounding off your evening nightcap at Blind Spot — a secret bar at St Martin's Lane Hotel that serves up creative cocktails inspired by far-flung cities.
What to do
Apart from gorging on glorious food and drink, you mean? From the National Gallery, to the cinemas of Leicester Square, the area surrounding St Martin's Lane really is an embarrassment of riches, but you can find plenty of world class entertainment without ever leaving it. This small-but-mighty street is home to not one, not two, but THREE West End theatres.
There's Duke of York’s Theatre — currently home to critically-acclaimed rock drama Stereophonic. Opera lovers, meanwhile, can't beat an evening at the London Coliseum. Head there this autumn for Rossini's Cinderella or Bizet's Carmen. And we're especially pumped for another chance to catch the National Theatre's sold-out production of The Importance of Being Earnest. The flamboyant, star-filled reimagining of the Oscar Wilde classic has just transferred to the Noel Coward Theatre and features familiar faces including Olly Alexander and Stephen Fry.
Where to stay
Don't fancy racing back for the last train or Tube home? There's a Premier Inn for the budget conscious, but if you really want to treat yourself, it has to be St Martin's Lane Hotel. This art-focussed offering has all the five-star luxury you could hope for: plush beds, stunning views of central London, and an impressive food and drink offering. If anyone needs us, we'll be in the basement speakeasy.
Al fresco dining in St Martin's Lane can be enjoyed until 31 October 2025. The rest can be enjoyed year-round.
