Shaftesbury Capital has announced that Buvette, a New York-originated dining concept by chef Jody Williams, has opened in Covent Garden’s Seven Dials neighbourhood, at 2 Neal’s Yard. Buvette joins a stellar line-up of restaurants, bringing internationally recognised culinary excellence to one of London’s leading dining destinations.
The 2,800 sq ft, 80-cover restaurant is an homage to French home cooking, and has launched in Covent Garden following its success in New York, Tokyo, and Seoul. Buvette is an all-day concept, with breakfast dishes such as the waffle sandwich with cured bacon and eggs, and more classic dishes including coq au vin, cassoulet, and escargots, bolstered by salads and more. With its top-quality cuisine, premium wine list, and al fresco seating, Buvette caters to all occasions, from laid-back breakfasts, pre-theatre cocktails, and late-night dining, elevating Covent Garden’s leading culinary offer.
Buvette is an example of the world-class F&B brands that Covent Garden continues to attract. The destination is the home of many innovative chef-led restaurants, such as the recently opened Burro by Conor Gadd in Floral Court. Both Buvette and Burro are additions to a long line of premium chef-led dining concepts in Covent Garden, with the likes of Story Cellar, Café Murano, The Barbary, Notto and ST JOHN Neal’s Yard Bakery and Bar, representing the continued evolution of the area under Shaftesbury Capital’s long-standing stewardship and investment.
Neal’s Yard has long been synonymous with creativity and independence, and Buvette is a natural addition to that story. Having earned a loyal following in New York, Tokyo and Seoul, its arrival in Covent Garden reinforces the area's appeal to internationally acclaimed operators seeking a home within one of London’s leading culinary neighbourhoods. Attracting celebrated chef-led concepts is central to our approach to curating Covent Garden's restaurant offer. Buvette brings a distinctive all-day dining experience that complements the area's existing mix of celebrated restaurants and bolsters Seven Dials as a destination for Londoners and international visitors seeking high-quality, experience-led hospitality.
EMMA MATUS – HEAD OF RESTAURANT LEASING AT SHAFTESBURY CAPITAL
This opening follows the news that a cluster of F&B brands are coming to Shaftesbury Capital’s Covent Garden this summer, including the brand new pizza-by-the-slice concept, Carmy’s, a debut from modern Mediterranean restaurant Elia, a second store for viral matcha concept, Frothee, and an Inception Group flagship. Covent Garden’s restaurant line-up is further strengthened by these openings, reinforcing its status as one of the capital’s leading culinary destinations.
For further information, please contact Aver PR at: coventgarden@averpr.com
Notes to Editors
About Shaftesbury Capital
Shaftesbury Capital PLC ("Shaftesbury Capital") is the leading central London mixed-use REIT and is a constituent of the FTSE-250 Index. Our property portfolio under management, valued at £5.4 billion, extends to 2.8 million square feet of lettable space across the most vibrant areas of London's West End. With a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, residential apartments and offices, our destinations include the high footfall, thriving neighbourhoods of Covent Garden, Carnaby, Soho and Chinatown. Our properties are close to the main West End Underground stations and transport hubs for the Elizabeth Line.
In April 2025, Shaftesbury Capital and Norges Bank Investment Management (“NBIM”) formed a long-term partnership, in respect of the Covent Garden estate. Shaftesbury Capital retains 75 per cent ownership and management control over the estate. The partnership brings together two long-term investors with a shared confidence in and ambitions for the growth prospects of the Covent Garden estate and the West End.
Shaftesbury Capital shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") (primary) and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange ("JSE") (secondary) and the A2X (secondary).
Our purpose
Investing to create thriving destinations in London’s West End where people enjoy visiting, working, and living.
Our values
We have a set of values that are fundamental to our behaviour, decision making and the delivery both of our purpose and strategy: Act with integrity; Take a creative approach; Listen and collaborate; Take a responsible, long-term view; and Make a difference.
About Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a world-class global destination in the heart of the West End, including the iconic Piazza, Market Building and surrounding streets, together with Seven Dials. The portfolio is home to over 200 retail stores including global flagships, British and independent brands as well as 200 restaurants, bars and cafes.
www.coventgarden.london / @coventgardenldn
About Buvette
Address: Buvette 2 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9DP
Opening Hours: June Hours
Sunday to Wednesday: 8am – 9pm
Thursday to Saturday: 8am – 10pm
Reservations: Buvette will prioritise walk-ins, but there will be limited online bookings via Seven Rooms.
Website: buvette-london.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buvettelondon/
About Jody
Jody Williams is proudly self-taught, having honed her craft through years of travel and hands-on experience. Five years spent cooking in Italy and Japan continue to shape her culinary approach.
Jody lives in her beloved West Village with wife and business partner and co-chef Rita Sodi. Together they co-own the acclaimed Via Carota, I Sodi, The Commerce Inn and Bar Pisellino.
Buvette Covent Garden will be another pin on the map for Jody’s small but perfectly formed community – with Buvette outposts in Tokyo and Seoul.