London///UK – Shaftesbury Capital has announced that five new hospitality brands are set to join the Covent Garden neighbourhood and enhance the culinary line-up, including a debut for Carmy’s, and a second location for viral coffee brand, Frothee.
Carmy’s
The new pizza-by-the-slice concept from the team behind Carmela’s Pizzeria opens this summer in an 820 sq ft store at 1a Monmouth Street. The brand will serve New York-style slices, classics and rotating specials, with a focus on quality and speed. Situated on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue, the site marks the gateway into Covent Garden’s Seven Dials neighbourhood.
Frothee
Frothee, known for its popular matcha coffee, has selected a c400 sq ft unit at 29 Bedfordbury in Covent Garden to open its second location in London. The viral café concept, which opens later this month, brings a fresh twist on a local café to the neighborhood, with its high-quality matcha and unique cold foam drinks.
JUNK Burger
JUNK Burger has signed for a 1,600 sq ft space at 19 New Row, marking its third site in the UK. Founded in 2021, the premium smash burger brand will bring its no-frills approach to Covent Garden, with quality ingredients and a precise approach to cooking. The JUNK Group is expanding to estab-lish its brands as staples in the world’s leading capitals, and joining London’s leading culinary destination reflects this aim.
Puffy Cookies
JUNK Group’s Puffy Cookies has also signed for a 1,200 sq ft store at 3 New Row. Following the success of JUNK Burger, Puffy Cookies launched in 2023. Puffy Cookies are baked fresh every day, and, in true New York spirit, achieve the perfect thick, soft, comforting texture. This will be the third London location for Puffy Cookies as part of the brand’s expansion.
Elia
Elia, a modern Mediterranean restaurant, will open its first site in the lower level of Covent Garden’s Grade II-listed Market Building. The 520 sq ft space champions simple, honest food made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, designed for both quick meals and relaxed dining. A central display of fresh produce will be a key feature. Elia will be joined later this year by Inception Group’s flagship, also set to open in the Market Building.
Emma Matus, Head of Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, commented: “These new signings reflect Covent Garden’s status as a prime location for F&B brands in all stages of development, whether making their debuts or expanding their presence in the UK. Securing key established brands alongside emerging concepts is a key focus of our long-term strategy, to maintain a diverse, world-class line-up which showcases Covent Garden as a leading culinary neighborhood.”
Phil Chaykin, Managing Director of Carmy’s, added: “We could not be happier to be making our debut in Covent Garden, a world-leading culinary destination which boasts a variety of independents, favorites, and chef-led concepts. Carmy’s will bring proper New York pizza slices, a concept that is still relatively limited in London, to this vibrant neighborhood, delivering a fast, high-quality option for a broad range of customers.”
Ozgur Karakas, Founder of Elia, added: “Bringing Elia to Covent Garden was an easy decision, considering the restaurant line-up is globally renowned. In particular, the South Wells area of the Market Building is stunning and historic, the ideal location for us. We look forward to a prosperous future within the capital’s leading culinary destination.”
This cluster of new signings follows a period of sustained leasing activity in the neighborhood. It comes after the success of Burro, the unique Italian dining concept by Conor Gadd, which opened in Floral Court in March, and the news that Buvette, an internationally recognized restaurant, is set to make its UK debut at 2 Neal’s Yard next month. This all reflects the widespread appeal of Covent Garden as a distinctive and high-quality F&B destination, which continues to attract significant brand interest.
(dp)
