Buvette to open first London restaurant in Covent Garden

Buvette, a gastrothèque founded by chef Jody Williams in New York, is set to open its first London restaurant in Covent Garden this summer.The restaurant will occupy a 2,800 sq ft, 80-cover unit at 2 Neal’s Yard, operated by landlord Shaftesbury Capital. The opening will mark Buvette’s London debut, adding to its existing sites in New York, Paris, Seoul and Tokyo.

The Covent Garden site will operate a day-to-night format, serving food and drink from morning through to the evening. It will also include outdoor seating in Neal’s Yard, a courtyard within the Seven Dials area.

The arrival of Buvette adds to a growing cluster of chef-led restaurants in the area. Nearby operators include St. JOHN Neal’s Yard Bakery and Bar, Story Cellar and The Barbary, with FROG by Adam Handling and Café Murano also located elsewhere in Covent Garden.

Further openings planned for the neighbourhood include Burro, a new concept from restaurateur Conor Gadd at 2 Floral Court, and an outpost of Indian restaurant Kricket in Neal’s Yard later this year. Harry’s has recently opened on Russell Street.

Emma Matus, head of Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “The signing of Buvette is a clear endorsement of Covent Garden’s position as London’s leading destination for chef-led dining. 

“Securing a globally recognised, founder-driven concept of this calibre for Neal’s Yard reflects our long-term strategy of curating a best-in-class culinary mix that delivers both international appeal and enhances the distinct character and experience of Covent Garden.”