Buvette by Jody Williams opens its doors

Buvette, the New York-originated dining concept by chef Jody Williams, has opened in Covent Garden’s Seven Dials. 

Part of the Shaftesbury Capital estate, the return of Williams' concept can be found at at 2 Neal’s Yard. 

The opening sees the UK return of the café-style restaurant, joining its sister sites in New York, Paris, Tokyo and Seoul. It had previously opened in Notting Hill in 2021, only to close at the beginning of 2024. 

The 2,800 sq ft, 80-cover restaurant is an homage to French home cooking. It 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. 

"Neal’s Yard has long been synonymous with creativity and independence, and Buvette is a natural addition to that story," says Emma Matus, head of restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital. "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."

Covent Garden is the home the recently opened Burro by Conor Gadd in Floral Court, as well as the likes of Story Cellar, Café Murano, The Barbary, Notto and ST JOHN Neal’s Yard Bakery and Bar.

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 and an Inception Group flagship. 

Image: Amy Heycock

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