Mexican and Indian brands to debut at St Martin’s Courtyard

Two new dining concepts are set to launch in London later this year at retail and commercial development St Martin’s Courtyard.

In addition to Jamie Oliver, who will launch a flagship restaurant for his Jamie’s Italian chain at the Covent Garden-based development, two new brands will make their UK debut at St Martin’s Courtyard when it opens in June.

US-based Mexican restaurant group Cantina Laredo has taken on a 220-seat site, which will be spread over two floors featuring a main restaurant, tequila bar and private dining room.

Cantina Laredo chief executive Jackie Ginsberg said there was a gap in the market for high-end Mexican food.

“In the UK Tex-Mex and Mexican food are considered the same,” she said. “But Tex-Mex restaurants really don’t represent the depth and variety of authentic Mexican food nor the skill required to prepare it. That’s where Cantina Laredo will step in.”

Meanwhile, Indian café Dishoom will launch its first outlet comprising a 150-seat site also arranged over two floors. Inspired by the old Bombay City cafés, Dishoom will specialise in Indian grilled food.

St Martin’s Courtyard will comprise a two-acre site with five restaurants, 23 shops and a variety of office and residential space.

Kate Taylor, negotiator at Davis Coffer Lyons, the sole restaurant agent for the scheme, said: “These two exciting new signings, both brand new to London, complement Jamie’s Italian to create a truly eclectic dining offer.

“We are talking to a range of operators about the remaining two restaurant/bar units.”

Jamie Oliver to open flagship Italian restaurant in Covent Garden >>

Travelodge gets green light to extend Covent Garden property >>

Michelin-starred restaurateurs Anthony Demetre and Will Smith to launch third site >>

By Kerstin Kühn

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