KIBOU picks Covent Garden for debut central London restaurant

KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar is set to open its first site in central London at 1a Tavistock Street in Covent Garden.

The independently owned casual dining group has selected an 8,000 sq ft unit in what will be its largest location yet, with an opening targeted for early 2027.

With 210 covers, the restaurant will feature a bar and open sushi kitchen, as well as a private dining space.

The Covent Garden restaurant will join KIBOU’s existing sites in Battersea, Cambridge, Cheltenham, Clifton (Bristol), Oxford, and Solihull, with another site opening in Birmingham this autumn.

KIBOU will join a number of similar operators across Shaftesbury Capital’s London portfolio, including SUSHISAMBA, Sticks’n’Sushi, and Inamo.

Emma Matus, head of restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Covent Garden continues to prove itself as one of the world’s premier hospitality destinations, attracting the very best restaurant and bar brands. KIBOU’s arrival will be a fantastic addition to our restaurant mix and we’re excited to see it thrive as it takes on its most ambitious site yet in the heart of the West End.” 

Sam Horswill, managing director at KIBOU Restaurants, added: “Covent Garden is one of the world’s busiest and most exciting dining destinations, and we’re delighted to be working with the Shaftesbury Capital team to bring KIBOU here. Securing our largest site yet in the heart of the capital is a real statement of intent. This is organic growth built on strong foundations. Our best ever trading year, a brilliant team, and real ambition for what comes next.”

KIBOU’s signing follows a number of new openings in Covent Garden under Shaftesbury Capital’s stewardship. This year, the destination has welcomed a number of F&B operators, including Mr Fogg’s Market Tavern, which opened in the Market Building earlier this week. Carmy’s New-York style pizza-by-the-slice also made it debut at 1a Monmouth Street, while chef-led concepts Burro and Buvette opened at 2 Floral Court and 2 Neal’s Yard, respectively.