You know what struck me first about this place? The building itself – it’s one of those gorgeous Georgian conversions that makes you feel like you’re actually living in London, not just visiting. The apartment’s on the second floor at 10 Gate Street, and honestly, I had to double-check the address because Gate Street is this tiny little passage that most people walk right past. But that’s actually what makes it brilliant – you’re literally a two-minute walk from Covent Garden’s chaos, yet tucked away on this quiet cobblestone street where the only noise you’ll hear is the occasional clatter of a black cab on the main road.
The apartment itself is exactly what you’d want from a proper London stay. The bedroom’s got this lovely big window that catches morning light beautifully (though if you’re sensitive to street lamps, there’s decent blackout curtains). What I really appreciated was how thoughtfully everything’s laid out – the kitchen’s small but actually functional, not like those hotel kitchenettes where you can barely boil water. The living area feels surprisingly spacious for central London, and there’s this nice mix of modern comfort with period details that doesn’t feel forced or overdone. I mean, you’re not going to mistake it for a country cottage, but it’s got character without being fussy about it.
Here’s what really sold me on the location though – you can walk to Lincoln’s Inn Fields in about three minutes, which is this massive green square that most tourists never discover. Perfect for morning coffee or when you need to escape the Covent Garden crowds. And speaking of practical stuff, the nearest tube is Holborn station, maybe a four-minute walk, with easy connections pretty much anywhere you’d want to go. The area’s got that perfect balance where you’ve got proper London pubs (the Seven Stars is right around the corner and it’s exactly what you’re hoping a London pub will be) mixed with decent coffee shops and the kind of small shops that make you feel like you’re in an actual neighborhood. Sure, it’s still central London so don’t expect bargain grocery prices, but there’s a Tesco Express close enough for essentials. One small thing – the building’s historic so don’t expect a lift, but honestly, two flights of stairs never killed anyone and it keeps the building’s character intact.