Covent Garden celebrates France and becomes Covent Jardin until mid August

This summer, Francophile Londoners looking for some added joie de vivre should look no further than Covent Garden as the destination celebrates the abundance of chic French brands, al fresco café culture and delicious dining spots by becoming Covent Jardin for a fortnight.

From signature cocktails with a twist to mastering the ultimate French beauty look, Covent Jardin will embrace its French alter-ego until 13^th August, encouraging visitors to do the same – even offering free conversational French tutorials over a French 75, in a tête-à-tête on Aubaine’s al fresco terrace.

Iconic bars and restaurants across the estate, including Frenchie, Chez Antoinette and Balthazar, will celebrate by introducing their own twist on a classic French 75 cocktail – or in Frenchie’s case a Frenchie 75 – to their drinks menus.

Shoppers looking to emulate that effortlessly chic French look this summer will be spoiled for choice amongst the plentiful beauty, fragrance and grooming boutiques in Covent Garden’s Beauty Quarter. During the fortnight NARS’s lead make-up artist will offer complimentary French beauty masterclasses in store, while Bobbi Brown introduces a limited edition Paris Palette, inspired by Parisian’s polished style. French perfume house Atelier Cologne will be offering complimentary fragrance samples of their Joie de Vivre collection, while purchases of any 30ml perfume will be accompanied by a personalized leather travel case of your choice. And to complete the look, Toni & Guy will be creating the signature French Bardot hairstyle during the fortnight.

Lifestyle stores across the estate will also be enticing shoppers to make the most of the balmy summer evenings, be it the chance to browse newly opened Shop at Petersham Nurseries to Cheaney offering customers a complimentary shoe shine with traditional French Glaçage.

For Covent Garden’s fanciful visitors, Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop will be treating customers who answer a secret question to discounts and offers on French-inspired toys, including a free Paris in a Matchbox when London in a Matchbox is purchased.

And for those looking to continue their French affair once the Covent Jardin fortnight is over, STA Travel on Bedford Street will be offering 10% discounts on hotels and tours to France.

The editorial unit
Photo: Jon Attenborough

Covent Jardin is on until 13^th August 2017, for further information visit their website here.