Caravan signs as first operator for Covent Garden’s Grainhouse

Restaurant and coffee roaster Caravan has become the first operator to sign for the retail and leisure offering at Hines UK’s 91,000 sq ft Grainhouse redevelopment in Covent Garden.

Taking a 6,200 sq ft unit, Caravan at Grainhouse will open later this summer and offer dishes from small plates, bowls, and brunch plates to pizza and cocktails.

Purchased off-market by Hines in March 2020, Grainhouse hosts 23,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, as well as 36,000 sq ft of office space which is set to become Hines’ European headquarters.

The site is a former Victorian seedhouse, with its redevelopment interlinking four period buildings and retaining key features such as exposed concrete, steel, and brickwork.

Emme Batten, director of retail asset management at Hines UK, said: “Signing Caravan as our first F&B operator at Grainhouse is testament to the quality central London location, and expert design and workmanship that has gone into the extensive redevelopment of the building paying homage to its traditional period design. It also demonstrates that prime buildings with great connectivity in thriving communities will continue to attract high profile retailers.”

Caravan was secured by Shelley Sandzer, acting on behalf of Hines.