Neal's Yard Remedies marks 45 years in Covent Garden with a reimagined flagship

Tucked off the streets of Covent Garden, Neal's Yard is one of central London's most colourful corners, and it is where one of Britain's best known natural beauty brands was born. In 2026 Neal's Yard Remedies is celebrating its 45th anniversary, and it has marked the occasion by reimagining the shop where it all started.

The business was founded in 1981 by Romy Fraser, a former teacher and single parent, who opened the first shop in Neal's Yard. Originally called Neal's Yard Apothecary, it took its current name in 1986. Early shelves held dried herbs, essential oils, Bach flower remedies and toiletries.

The company went on to become the first business certified by the Soil Association, and the first certified as carbon neutral, and it uses Fairtrade ingredients. It is now co owned by the Kindersley family.

The Covent Garden flagship reopened on 13 November 2025 after a redesign. The new store has a lighter, more open layout, with a preserved oak tree at its centre, chosen to reflect the brand's belief in the link between inner health and outer beauty. Natural materials were selected with sustainability in mind, while the signature blue glass bottles and ceramic tiles nod to its apothecary roots. A central limestone sink lets customers try products.

Visitors can enjoy free aromatherapy consultations, bookable treatments, workshops and seasonal events, and an aromatherapy wall displays the brand's essential oils. A new Covent Garden Collection presents heritage products in updated packaging inspired by the labels on the shelves of the original store.

"Our reimagined store embodies the sanctuary we've always dreamt of creating for our customers," said chief executive and co owner Anabel Kindersley, who recalled visiting the shop for expertise long before she became an owner.

The Covent Garden redesign became the model for what the brand calls its Stores of the Future, and in its anniversary year the company opened the concept in Spitalfields, Westfield White City and Manchester Arndale too. But for many loyal customers, the original courtyard shop remains the heart of it all.

Neal's Yard Remedies is at Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, a short walk from Covent Garden station. For consultations, workshops and events, visit nealsyardremedies.com.