WELCOME TO ISSUE 34…

The legend of Dick Whittington and his Cat is one of England’s most famous folk tales, and so it happens that they are cover stars for the Autumn/Winter joint-issue of The Covent Gardener and The City Courant. When it comes to City Mayors and kitty cats, there is only one person for the job of cover artist and that is none other than our very own map maker extraordinaire Adam Dant. Adam has been personally selected by incoming Lord Mayor Alastair King to be his Artist-in-Residence – a suitably purrrfect link that we couldn’t resist!

If you’ve been reading The Covent Gardener for a while, you will know that we love unearthing life’s hidden stories and connections. As John Foley reveals on p10, Covent Garden and the City of London share more in common than you might imagine, so take delight in this special edition joint issue and flip over to the back for more tales and beautiful illustrations.

In other news, we are officially nine years old! We’ve now been shining a light on our favourite pocket of London for nearly a decade so I thought it only right to celebrate The Covent Gardener’s birthday with some of my favourite local food haunts. Turn to p12 for our favourite spots for a birthday lunch, from Rules Restaurant to newcomer on the scene, Brother Marcus.

On p16, photographer Clive Boursnell shares another extraordinary image from the archives, while our resident theatre historian Mark Fox gets better acquainted with the man behind the myth of Dick Whittington and his cat on p8.

Our focus is always on creatives, artists, writers and the community. We are incredibly passionate about print and our beautifully curated and fully commissioned publications.

We are always interested in more partnerships and collaborations. Do get in touch with ideas and suggestions.

And if you turn the issue upside down…

WELCOME TO ISSUE 3…

Dick Whittington – the man, the myth, the legend – is our inspiration for this special edition joint issue of The City Courant and The Covent Gardener. Yet take a closer look at the cover and you may see another character who is equally as important to the story! The fable of Dick Whittington and his Cat is inspired by the real-life Richard Whittington, thrice-elected Lord Mayor of London. As Mick O’Hare very well divulges on p9, here at The City Courant we love the history, ceremony and all that the City of London has to offer – mayors included! Which is why we were thrilled to hear that last years Lord Mayor of London Sir Nicholas Lyons “thoroughly enjoyed” his last copy of The City Courant.

The cover artist for this double-issue is also in favour with the Lord Mayor’s office. Our favourite, Adam Dant has been selected as court artist for the next Lord Mayor Alastair King. Be sure to see Adam’s London Underground poster design for the annual Lord Mayor’s Show, commissioned by Mr. King himself, on p9.

For Autumn/Winter we are very excited to be working again with some of the most prestigious institutions in the City. On p13 the Royal Exchange boasts a delicious selection of Autumn eats including Engel, the City’s newest and most glamorous bar inspired by 1920s Berlin. Something special to see us into the Winter party season! The Museum of London also discusses the launch of its new website ahead of its anticipated new opening in Smithfield in 2026.

Its sites will now be known as London Museum and London Museum Dockland. The London Archives continues to be a favourite source of historical inspiration and is open to the public Monday-Thursdays 10am-4.30pm.
We are incredibly passionate about print and our beautifully curated independent publications.

We hope you join us on this journey, and as we grow we’re looking for your help and ideas – such as new locations to distribute these magazines.

Do contact us.