Buvette Brings Faux‑French Glam to Covent Garden
A New York cult‑brasserie has opened in Neal’s Yard, offering a “totally français” menu in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
It’s actually rather lovely – that’s the feeling that greets diners stepping into Buvette, the newest London outpost of a cult‑hit New York brasserie.
Located in Neal’s Yard, deep within the maze of Covent Garden’s alleyways, the restaurant sits beside holistic‑therapy rooms, walk‑in back‑rub spaces, Neal’s Yard Remedies and the 26 Grains café.
The air is scented with wind‑chimes and a hint of patchouli, and the footfall is a mix of yoga‑pant‑clad locals and hungry visitors.
Buvette brings a touch of Gallic glam to the neighbourhood, clearly targeting the “Emily in Paris” generation with its totally français menu.
The menu lists 25 dishes, none above £18, and includes croque monsieur with roast mushrooms and gruyère, rillettes de saumon, and a salade niçoise served with haricots verts and a mollet egg.
Drink options feature a Macvin champagne and muscadet spritz, pastis on the rocks, warm scones with jam, and almond croissants.
This is the London arm of Jody Williams’ West Village gastrothèque, and while it presents itself as a hot, fresh new thing, the reviewer notes it feels reminiscent of the familiar “Café Rouge” style of French dining.
In short, Buvette offers a stylish, approachable French‑inspired experience in the heart of Covent Garden, though it may not be breaking any culinary ground.
