Piazza Observations

When I look back over 25 years in Covent Garden it is inevitable to see events from a Piazza and business perspective. In the late 1970's when Covent Garden was being revitalised there were many enterprising people starting businesses. They worked in Covent Garden and some lived here as well. Whilst a few have stayed the course - Christina Smith being the finest example - most have moved on and, inevitably, Covent Garden has lost a little of its distinctiveness with the departure of each of these independent businesses.

One such person was Lionel Fisher, who died suddenly and unexpectedly four years ago. With his wide brimmed Australian hats and Labrador, Lionel was a flamboyant element in the Central Market where he ran two large units selling casual clothing. He later, somewhat ahead of the trend, moved into the upper reaches of Neal Street. Lionel was enthusiastic about Covent Garden and generously sponsored the promotion of the first regular free Covent Garden paper, The Covent Garden Advertiser, edited by Peter Knight.

In the early 1990's, when we were thinking about a makeover for Tuttons Brasserie, we realised, with some regrets, that it was time to move on from the 'market' connection as visitors were increasingly unaware and uninterested in the history. In 1985 we had added to the fans and cooli-hat lampshades (carefully retained from the old potato warehouse, which our premises had once been) various items, including large clocks from the then closing Billingsgate Market.

By 1985, ten years after the fruit and vegetable market had moved away, Covent Garden is about shopping and watching. The image of Covent Garden had changed from a flower girl to a fire eating street entertainer. The general perception of the area has changed - inevitable, but in many ways liberating.

Chris Turrell, Tuttons Brasserie

Covent Garden Community Association Annual Report 2000-2001

 

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