There’s nothing like spending a whole Sunday afternoon picking through Roman, medieval and Victorian treasures to help figure out a theme for this latest issue – inspired by architect and mudlark Jason Sandy (not to mention the artefacts we found together on the banks of the Thames), I decided on ‘Discovery’. Which became a one-word brief for our cover artist, Jean Jullien. With nearly a million followers on Instagram, he is one of the most exciting and sought-after designers working today. With a little inspiration from his wife, we have one of our most vibrant covers yet.

Elsewhere, the aforementioned Jason Sandy tells us about the lost city of Lundenwic, uncovered by archaeologists after lying buried under Covent Garden for over 1,100 years. The treasures from our exhilarating (and terrifying) night’s mudlarking on the Thames prompted Calum Franklin from Holborn Dining Room to create one of his famous pies (soon to be sold by the slice) just for us Covent Gardeners. Read on for a chance to win a fabulous pie masterclass worth £210 with Franklin himself.

The recent hot weather may be good news for most readers, but it prompted science writer Mick O’Hare to reflect on a less fortunate summer – that of 1665, when the sweltering heat set the stage for the Great Plague, the first official case of which was recorded in Seven Dials.

We also discover a little bit more about the multitalented Inigo Jones, the royal architect behind The Piazza and St Paul’s Church who less famously created vibrant, racy and at times bare-breasted costumes for the Stuart court.
We have an exclusive from artist Justine Smith whose UK money map features another Covent Garden resident, Jane Austen. Her stint in the city is revealed by art historian Lucy Moore. And finally, Damian Barr – the new Literary Ambassador at The Savoy – tells us about his exciting new role.

Fancy eating out in Covent Garden? There’s literally something for everyone, as Robbie Bargh reminds us. Plus you must discover the new Shop at Bluebird on Floral St.

We have £1000 worth of prizes and competitions dotted around the magazine and on Instagram @thecoventgardener – throw your hat in the ring for a chance to win! Finally, I urge you to keep visiting Covent Garden – the beating heart of our brilliant capital.

Follow us on Instagram @thecoventgardener to keep up with our latest offers and amazing competitions.