From Busy Market to Glamorous "Mall"

Where in the world is Jenny now? Covent Gardens and Knightsbridge!


My first official "free day" in London started out with overcast skies, but I wasn't about to let some rainy weather put a halt to my adventures. A group of us decided to explore an area of Kensington called Covent Gardens. This site was originally London's main food and flower market for centuries. We started off in Covent Garden Market (which reminded me of Boston's Quincy Market).

Covent Garden Market

Marketplace vendors

Being a tea lover, I had to make a stop at a tea shop that advertised, "Free tastings!"

Free tea for me!

Yummy

After browsing a few stores, we came upon a street performance. This string quartet played amazingly (I gave them a pound) and even started dancing at one point! Don't believe me? Check this vid:

They also played this familiar song that I thought my parents would enjoy hearing:

More photos ensued in the marketplace...

Right outside the market is Rules, the oldest restaurant in London (est. 1798)

Next up was Somerset House, a gorgeous neoclassical building situated between the Strand and the River Thames. It houses the Cortauld Institute, and the courtyard is turned into a skating rink in the winter.

Somerset House

All smiles in front of the skating rink

Stomachs grumbling, we took the suggestion of a British local and tried out "Shakespeare's Head" on Kingsway Street. I later found out that it was once frequented by actors and literary figures such as Charles Dickens. Traditional British meals were enjoyed:

Mince meat pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips

Just as we were about to leave, a torrential downpour struck. Luckily it only lasted 5 minutes. Crazy London weather.

Perhaps someone wanted us to stay and order dessert?

A quick Tube ride later, our group walked into London's most legendary store: Harrods in Knightsbridge. Founded by tea merchant Henry Charles Harrod in 1849, Harrods has over one million square feet of selling space in over 330 departments. Rumor has it that you can buy practically anything at this store (although we failed to spot any monkeys for sale). Picture the fanciest mall you've ever visited, and then multiply the glamour times one hundred.

Hands down, the best part of Harrods is the food hall on the 2nd floor. The confections looked absolutely mouth-watering...

All of the employees wore those funny hats

Of course, there was more to see than just edible treats. From furniture to fashion to toys to pets, the massiveness of the store was rather mind-blowing.

By the time we left, it was already getting dark outside and Harrods was all lit up.

If you're ever in London, definitely put this store on your list of places to visit (especially if you feel like splurging £2,000 on a giant stuffed teddy bear...).