Shaftesbury Capital has signed 25 new retail, hospitality and leisure brands across its Covent Garden estate in the last six months. The quality and diversity of operators reflects Shaftesbury Capital’s commitment to attracting the best global, British and independent brands, and demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in the long-term appeal and prospects of Covent Garden, and the West End more widely.
Cementing Covent Garden’s position as one of central London’s leading retail destinations are 13 new retail brands, including HOKA, the running shoes and apparel brand and Balibaris, the international menswear label, with the brands opening their first ever retail location in Europe and debut West End store respectively in Covent Garden. In addition, specialist outdoor brand Arc’teryx is upsizing significantly to a new flagship on King Street following the success of its Long Acre store.
Neighbouring Arc’teryx on King Street, The luxury perfume house House of Creed is to make its Covent Garden debut in November.
Joining the roster of premium watch and jewellery boutiques across the Covent Garden estate are five new brands, with OMEGA, Messika, Hublot and Girard-Perregaux opening in the Royal Opera House Arcade and Tissot opening on James Street. Due to open in time for Christmas, the signings follow the recent 50% upsize of leading luxury watch and jewellery retailer, Bucherer 1888, in its flagship Covent Garden store.
Completing the new retail additions are Sessùn, the French womenswear brand; lifestyle clothing brand, Gramicci; cult ‘everyday’ fine jewellery brand Mejuri, and British leather goods retailer Cambridge Satchel Co.
Covent Garden is also welcoming nine new F&B brands, ranging from independent to international operators. Highlights include British independent favourite, The Breakfast Club; internationally inspired restaurants Fatto a Mano, Colonel Saab, Ikkan Sushi and Bone Daddies; and top chef Phil Howard’s pasta bar Notto.
These latest operators join modern coffeehouse, WatchHouse, London’s first build-your-own cevicheria, Crudo Cevicheria, and internationally renowned, GAUCHO, all of which opened in Covent Garden in the last quarter.
In addition, straddling both the retail and F&B offering, Covent Garden is set to welcome Läderach, the Swiss chocolatier, independent confectionery brand Lakrids by Bülow, and a new concept called Barnaby’s, co-created by the founders of popular bakery Buns From Home and the team behind Crème the cookie shop.
Michelle McGrath, executive director, Shaftesbury Capital, commented: “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.”
