Covent Garden, London

Office workers who’ve enjoyed a Christmas tipple or two could be forgiven for thinking that they’ve had one glass too many if they venture into Covent Garden’s Piazza this festive season. But no, that really is a massive Christmas present on the East Piazza.

Closer inspection reveals that this giant gift is actually a mulled wine hut, with staff serving up this delicious spicy drink (plus hot apple juice for the kids) to visitors until Wednesday 23rd December.

It’s all part of the extra gourmet Christmas goings-on in Covent Garden and we’re happy to see an extended Real Food Market now happening two days a week during the festive season. Those who’ve sampled its freshly cooked delights before – from just-baked bread to curries, gourmet pies, paella and more – will already know that it’s the West End’s premier food market. Now, every Thursday and Friday, visitors can enjoy delicious food from all of the original stall holders and more, including gourmet Christmas food from Demarquette fine chocolates, The Dessert Deli (their hand-made minced pies rock our world), The Market Quarter and Arabica Food & Spice, with the latter giving us a fascinating Middle Eastern take on Christmas eating. A selection of Britain’s best food bloggers will also be serving up delicious Christmas treats throughout the season.

As an added seasonal bonus, and to help you avoid the stress of supermarket food shopping, the market will open for a four day consecutive run from Wednesday 16th December – Saturday 19th December. Plus, to coincide with late night shopping in the Market Building and Piazza, visitors can enjoy late night food shopping too – from artisan cheese stalls to rare breed beef sellers – until 9pm on Thursday 3rd, 10th and 17th December.

All this, plus the unmissable prospect of chestnuts roasted traditional-style on charcoal, makes the Real Food Market an essential part of every Christmas shopping experience in the capital.

The Mulled Wine Hut

Monday 9th November – Wednesday 23rd December

Monday – Saturday:
12.00pm – 10.00pm

Sunday:
12.00pm – 6.00pm

Christmas opening hours:
24th December 12.00pm – 5.00pm
28th December 12.00pm – 10.00pm
29th December 12.00pm – 10.00pm
30th December 12.00pm – 10.00pm
31st December 12.00pm – 7.30pm

Real Food Market

Every Thursday and Friday till 11th December
12.00pm – 7.30pm

Wednesday 16th – 19th December
12.00pm – 7.30pm

Late night opening till 9.00pm on Thursday 3rd, 10th & 17th December.

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