Covent Gardens: Scenes from Some of Our Favourite Movies

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ovent Garden, one of London’s most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods, has long been a favored location for filmmakers. Its charming cobbled streets, historic buildings, and bustling atmosphere make it a perfect backdrop for movies. Here, we explore some memorable scenes from beloved films that were shot in Covent Garden.

My Fair Lady (1964)

Location: The West Piazza and St Paul’s Church Portico

In My Fair Lady, Covent Garden plays a pivotal role in the story of Eliza Doolittle. The West Piazza and the Portico of St Paul’s Church set the stage for Eliza’s humble beginnings as a flower girl. The memorable scene where she sings “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” marks the start of her transformative journey with Professor Higgins. This location captures the essence of Covent Garden’s historic market atmosphere, beautifully reflecting Eliza’s aspirations for a better life.

Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone (2001)

Location: Goodwin Court, Cecil Court, and Australia House

The magical world of Harry Potter comes alive in several locations around Covent Garden:

• Goodwin Court: This quaint alleyway inspired the design of Diagon Alley, the famous wizarding street.
• Cecil Court: Often believed to be the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley, Cecil Court’s charming Victorian storefronts add to the enchantment.
• Australia House: The interior scenes of Gringotts Wizarding Bank were filmed here, adding a touch of magic to this historic building.

Frenzy (1972)

Location: Market Building, Bow Street Tavern, The Nell of Old Drury, 3 Henrietta Street

Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy features several Covent Garden locations:

• Market Building: Hitchcock himself appears in the trailer for Frenzy, standing in the marketplace and loading a sack with potatoes, discussing the film.
• Bow Street Tavern: Formerly The Globe, this pub is where the protagonist, Blaney, works.
• The Nell of Old Drury: Here, Blaney overhears men discussing the murders.
• 3 Henrietta Street: The villain, Robert Rusk, lives here, and the eerie silent tracking shot up and down the stairs is particularly memorable.

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

Location: The Strand and Somerset House

In Tomorrow Never Dies, the courtyard of Somerset House at The Strand serves as the headquarters for MI6. This location also doubled as St. Petersburg in GoldenEye (1995). Covent Garden is showcased again in Spectre (2015), where Daniel Craig’s James Bond is summoned to a meeting at Rules, London’s oldest restaurant, with his team members Moneypenny, Q, and M.

A Street Cat Named Bob (2016)

Location: West Piazza and London Transport Museum

Based on the true story of James Bowen and his street cat, Bob, A Street Cat Named Bob highlights Covent Garden as a significant place in their lives. James and Bob became famous for their presence at their old Big Issue pitch in Covent Garden, delighting fans who visit the area in hopes of catching a glimpse of the duo.

Last Christmas (2019)

Location: West Piazza and Market Building

The heartwarming holiday film Last Christmas features Covent Garden prominently. Filming took place on location in the West Piazza and Market Building, where the crew constructed a new shop specifically for the movie. This festive setting added to the film’s charm and festive spirit.

Covent Garden’s rich history and picturesque scenery have made it a beloved filming location for numerous movies. From the transformative journey of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady to the magical streets of Harry Potter, and the thrilling scenes of James Bond, Covent Garden continues to captivate audiences on the silver screen. Its unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy ensures that it remains a timeless backdrop for filmmakers and a must-visit destination for film enthusiasts.