Neal’s Yard, a Secret Garden in Central London
It was in 1976 that Saunders moved into an old warehouse in Neal’s Yard, which at the time really was just a scruffy backyard behind warehouses and other buildings. With his emphasis upon alternative and healthy living, Saunders set about opening up a wholefood shop, and the enterprise proceeded to be a huge success. Going from strength to strength Saunders then set up a dairy, a cafe, and an apothecary specializing in alternative remedies and healing.
The whole Yard was also brought to life by sculptures from Tim Hunkin, a Cambridge graduate who first made his name by producing the informative cartoon “The Rudiments of Wisdom” in the Observer newspaper. Hunkin created the magnificent water clock that is on the outside of the wholefood shop, and the animated sculpture of people standing in line at a baker’s within the Yard itself.
Since its debut, this cosy backwater and its shops have simply gone from strength to strength, so if you happen to find yourself in Covent Garden, be sure to visit Neal’s Yard, as you will be in for a real treat. It is the perfect place to have lunch outdoors in the summer, and in winter you can warm yourself up with a massage in the Therapy Rooms followed by tea and a healthy snack in the Bakery and Tearoom.
