Buvette is coming back to London, this time opening in Covent Garden

Chef Jody Williams is taking another crack at London with New York-originated restaurant Buvette (which also has opened in Paris, Tokyo and Seoul). 

The self-style "gastrotheque" will be opening an 80-seater site, taking over what was the old St John Bakery in Neal's Yard (that recently moved across the way). If you've ever visited that space and are wondering just how they're going to fit 80 seats in there, a recent trip to Neal's Yard showed us that they'll also be taking over the space next door (and knocking through, we presume).

It's not Buvette's first time at trying to break London, though. They opened in Notting Hill just after the first Covid lockdown in 2021, albeit with little fanfare or publicity, only to close at the beginning of 2024. Opening in this more central location, it does look like they're putting a little more effort into getting the word out this time. 

Few details have been revealed about the London opening, so far. Looking at the current New York menu, we can expect an all-day affair kicking off at breakfast and brunch with their signature waffle sandwiches, while dinner moves into more substantial French-inspired dishes like coq au vin, cassoulet and escargots. 

We'll have more news on what's planned closer to the opening date.