Longmartin Properties Ltd, a joint venture between Shaftesbury and the Mercers’ Company, has announced a pair of firsts with its latest F&B signings. Totalling almost 2,000 sq ft, The Yards, Covent Garden, will welcome a restaurant debut for UKIYO and a central London first for Buns from Home.
Japanese temaki and sashimi concept, UKIYO, has selected 8 Slingsby Place for its first-ever 1636 sq ft restaurant, debuting its unique interpretation of the typical Japanese eatery this summer. The brand’s minimal, sophisticated menu will focus solely on Japanese hand rolls and a rich East Asian inspired mixology offering, priding itself on a no cutlery experience. UKIYO, translates to ‘Living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life’, and describes the urban lifestyle of the Japanese Edo-period.
Set to launch next month is independent bakery brand, Buns From Home, who is moving into 140 Long Acre for its first ever central London site and fourth location. Set up by founder Barney Goff in lockdown, who baked pastries and delivered by bike, the first Buns from Home bakery opened in Notting Hill after a successful crowdfunding campaign. Looking ahead, the 220 sq ft location within The Yards will offer the brand’s signature cinnamon and cardamom croissant buns, alongside dessert buns and savoury options.
Barney Goff, Founder, Buns From Home, commented: ”Starting out in my mum’s kitchen, Buns From Home really is the epitome of humble beginnings and although we now have a little help and work on a slightly larger scale, our methods and ethos are as artisanal as ever. Signing for our debut central London location in The Yards is a major milestone for us. It is an incredible and diverse food hub and we are looking forward to bringing our popular pastries and breads to the local community and visitors alike.”
On behalf of Longmartin Properties Ltd, Simon Taylor, Property Director at the Mercers’ Company added: “Through our continued investment in the area, The Yards has become a distinctive destination to explore within Covent Garden and the curated line-up of brands is a huge draw to the location. Strengthening The Yards’ position as an F&B go-to area within central London and following the success of established concepts such as Arôme and Dishoom, these two new F&B brands are exciting newcomers, each bringing their own unique twist to the area.”
These signings follow the recently launched UK debut of cult Milan-born restaurant chain, miscusi, and the first West End site for Burmese restaurant, Lahpet.
In addition, Covent Garden and The Yards have been selected by Diageo, maker of Guinness, as a potential home to ‘Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard’, a £73million investment for London and plans include a new microbrewery and culture hub for the capital, set to open in Autumn 2023*.
