There are few nights in London as dreamy as a trip to the ballet at the Royal Opera House and this one was straight out of a Carrie Bradshaw fantasy. It was giving Sex and the City but minus Alexander Petrovsky! 

✨ Grab your heels (but make sure they’re chunky—those Covent Garden cobbles are no joke), because I’m taking you behind the scenes of our girls’ night out: from sipping rosé in rooftop bars to swanning around red carpets and regal staircases.

Getting to the Royal Opera House (Carrie-style)

The Royal Opera House is tucked into the heart of Covent Garden, with the nearest tube station sharing the name. But you can also hop off at Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road or Holborn. Just be warned: stilettos + cobblestones = a very “Carrie falls on the runway” moment.

I was joined by my Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha: the fabulous Fatinah, Kate and Sophia. We arrived in the afternoon to soak up the pre-show glamour, grab drinks, and explore this iconic space before curtain up.

Explore what’s on at the Royal Opera House here

Inside the Royal Opera House: Views, Vibes & Vintage Staircases

There are two entrances: one that spills you straight into the gift shop (a danger in itself), and the main Bow Street entrance where costumes are on display.

We headed straight upstairs to The Piazza—a stunning open-air bar that overlooks the buzz of Covent Garden. You don’t even need to be seeing a show to visit; it’s the perfect sun-drenched spot for a glass of wine and some people-watching.

After that, we wandered the colour-coded corridor of posters (it’s a total Instagram gem).

After that we took the lift down to the grand staircase. Fun fact: it was built wide enough for women wearing crinoline skirts to pass by each other without causing fashion traffic jams. Iconic.

The Paul Hamlyn Hall: Bubbles and Balconies

The famous conservatory-style Paul Hamlyn Hall was once part of the Covent Garden Flower Market. These days, it’s a spectacular space to sip Veuve Clicquot under glass ceilings and glittering chandeliers. There’s also a restaurant for pre-theatre dinners and a terrace that’s perfect for golden hour snaps.

Top tip: arrive around 5:30pm when it opens if you want a table before the rush.

Where to Eat & Drink Around Covent Garden

Before our performance, we popped to The Nomad, just across the street. Think sexy interiors, great cocktails and the perfect pre-theatre pit stop. We also swung by Ladurée for macarons (rose, naturally), and wandered the cobbled streets filled with pop-ups, flowers and fashion.

If you’re planning your own Opera House night out, here are some of my other Covent Garden faves:

• Rules on Maiden Lane (James Bond filmed here!)

• Neal’s Yard, Floral Street and the Infinity Chamber for Instagram heaven

 

• Mariage Freres – a beautiful tea room with stacks of tea! Upstairs is a cafe serving a delightful afternoon tea.

• The Nomad – I love a photogenic bar and we popped in here for a non-alcoholic fizz. You can stay here too! Book The Nomad here (AFF Link).

• Laduree for the best macarons – you get get an afternoon tea here too (read more here)

• London Transport Museum – if you LOVE geeking out – I’d recommend a trip to the museum which is in Covent Garden. There’s the full history of London’s transport system including tubes, trams and buses! Watching the network grow is fascinating – especially for Londoners! Get your ticket here (AFF link)

• The Ivy (get the black cod + chocolate bomb)

• Elan Café for sun-soaked brunches

• Glossier in a 17th-century townhouse (a modern icon in an old building)

Showtime at the Ballet

Inside the auditorium, it’s red velvet, gold trim and serious old-school glam. Even if you’re not in the Royal Box (where I once saw Carmen—unreal), there’s not a bad seat in the house. There’s no dress code, but if there was ever a moment to channel your inner SJP, this is it.

I wore something extra and loved every second.

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🎭  If you’re dreaming of a glittery girls’ night, full of art, style and a bit of theatre magic—put the Royal Opera House on your list. I’ll be back soon for Angela Hartnett’s new restaurant upstairs (opening September 2025), and maybe another swirl down that gorgeous red staircase.