Shaftesbury Capital brings five F&B brands to Covent Garden

Shaftesbury Capital has signed five food and beverage brands to its Covent Garden neighbourhood in Central London.

Leading the new arrivals is Sourdough Sophia, which has signed for a 450 sq ft unit at 16 Neal’s Yard. Making its Central London debut, the operator joins a number of F&B and chef-led concepts in the area including The Barbary, Story Cellar, and the recently opened Buvette. The venue will offer a range of sourdough bread and laminated pastries.

Meanwhile, Cassette, a second restaurant from the team behind Peckham operators Levan and Bar Levan is set to open this autumn in a 1,170 sq ft space at 42 Maiden Lane. Cassette will bring a contemporary French dining concept to the historic Grade II listed building.

Also joining Covent Garden’s F&B lineup is Soft Serve Society, which will open its second London location in an 850 sq ft space at 33 Earlham Street. Known for its soft-serve creations, the concept will look to enhance the dessert offering within the Seven Dials neighbourhood.

Meanwhile at 25 New Row, Brazilian brand OAKBERRY Açai has selected Covent Garden to open its seventh store in London. Offering customisable, organic açai bowls and smoothies, the concept has agreed to take a 380 sq ft space.

Finally, Carmy’s has now opened its 820 sq ft site at 1 Monmouth Street. The brand-new pizza-by-the-slice concept is located on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue, providing a gateway into the Seven Dials neighbourhood.

Emma Matus, head of restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “This year has been a strong one for us in terms of F&B leasing, and it’s fantastic to see that momentum continue with another exceptional group of independent operators choosing Covent Garden and its Seven Dials neighbourhood. What sets Covent Garden apart is the calibre and diversity of our offer, and it’s this unique ecosystem that continues to attract the industry’s most exciting operators, reinforcing our position as London’s leading destination for world-class dining and hospitality.”

This news follows another recent wave of F&B concepts set to join the Covent Garden neighbourhood this year, including JUNK Burger and Puffy Cookies at New Row, and a second location for Frothee at 29 Bedfordbury. Meanwhile Elia, the modern Mediterranean restaurant, has also opened its first site in the lower level of Covent Garden’s historic Market Building, joined by Mr Foggs Market Tavern, which is set to open next week.