Shaftesbury Capital, a prominent real estate investment company, has inked deals with nine new hospitality brands for its Covent Garden estate over the past six months. This move not only underscores the firm’s commitment to attracting a diverse array of top-tier, both global and British, independent brands but also signals a robust vote of confidence in the long-term prospects of Covent Garden and the broader West End.
Covent Garden continues to diversify its hospitality offerings by welcoming a mix of operators, ranging from local independents to international establishments. The new entrants will offer a variety of cuisines, including British, European, and Asian, thereby enriching Covent Garden’s already diverse dining scene. Notable additions include British independent favourite, The Breakfast Club; globally inspired eateries such as Fatto a Mano, Colonel Saab, Ikkan Sushi, and Bone Daddies; as well as Notto, a pasta bar by acclaimed chef Phil Howard.
These newcomers join the likes of modern coffeehouse WatchHouse, London’s first build-your-own cevicheria, Crudo Cevicheria, and the internationally renowned steakhouse GAUCHO, all of which have opened in Covent Garden in the previous quarter.
Michelle McGrath, Executive Director at Shaftesbury Capital, stated: “At Covent Garden, we have always set out to create a multi-dimensional, experiential mixed-use district, attracting the very best occupiers across all uses. During our ownership, we have introduced over 250 new shopping and dining concepts to Covent Garden and continue to see excellent demand for our unique spaces, from brands aligned with our strategy to attract world-class global, British and independent brands. Attracted by the quality and breadth of the shopping and hospitality offer, as well as the strong local, domestic and international footfall, they are also drawn to Covent Garden’s unique location in the heart of the West End, steeped in heritage and rich with arts, culture and experience. As part of our commitment to a healthier and more sustainable environment, we continue to invest in our public realm, and our local communities.”
In addition to the food and beverage operators, Covent Garden will also welcome several new retail brands. These include Läderach, the Swiss chocolatier, Lakrids by Bülow, an independent confectionery brand, and a novel concept called Barnaby’s, co-created by the founders of Buns From Home and Crème the cookie shop.
The F&B operators are part of a larger influx of retail brands that have either signed or opened in Covent Garden in the last six months, bringing the total number of new facias to 25. Recent retail additions include the UK debut of HOKA, a running shoes and apparel brand, the European debut for menswear label Balibaris, and Arc’teryx, an outdoor specialist label that is expanding to a new flagship store on King Street.
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