Seven Dials

Not far from St. Martin's Lane which I showed you in my last blog, is the village of Seven Dials. I really just explored it for the first time a couple of weeks ago and found it fascinating.

First designed by Thomas Neale in the 17th century, and located near Covent Garden, the Seven Dials area is star-shaped, spreading out in 7 directions from the central point where a sundial pillar is erected.

The home of many types of food from around the world, including a few pubs of course, the area is especially known for its eclectic mix of shopping. It's fun to stroll the streets and alleys, some of them cobbled, to see what you discover.

One shop was selling anything you would need should you have a movie or TV debut--or if you wanted a new look for Halloween.

One of my favorite finds was the Grosvenor Prints shop which boasts the largest selection in London of prints from the 17th-20th century. We spent a lot of time there, and could plan a whole afternoon just at this shop on our next visit. Good place for Christmas shopping, and they have a catalogue selection  online. Pulling ourselves away, we also stumbled upon all sorts of shops, including  several vintage boutiques, jewelry shops, clothing boutiques,

and specialty shops like this one, which carry everything you need for your boxing passion--even a place to get in a little practice on a punching bag.

Down a little alley off of Monmouth Street is Neal's Yard

where you can stop in for some local

and regional cheese from London's "foremost cheese seller."

Neal's Yard courtyard is the home to several restaurants,

new age shops and homeopathic remedy stores.

The Little Shop of Funkiness is there, but 

they don't hold a corner on the market of funkiness

in this colorful and playful area.

For grooming needs, you can stop in at Hair by Fairy, 

or rush right over to Murdock's, the Times "recommended barber shop" where gentleman can find their own spa like treatments.

Our visit took place during National Cupcake Week, so a visit to Candy Cakes

seemed appropriate as the day would down. Look at that selection of cupcakes

and iced muffins.

All in all, a day full of treats and surprises which I can heartily recommend to you as a little excursion when you're in the area.

And if London is not in your immediate travel plans, perhaps you would like to pick up a copy of Agatha Christie's book, The Seven Dials Mystery, printed in 1929. I hope to find a copy myself for one of those long trans-Atlantic flights in my very near future!