Danish bakery brand Ole & Steen is set to broaden its business overseas after securing a site St James’ Market, London.

The 4,400 sq ft restaurant will be split over a ground floor and basement, which is expected to open for business in the first week of January 2017.

The new premises will feature space for 120 covers and will be designed by studio Space Copenhagen.

The brand is part of the Lagkagehuset bakery business, which was founded by Ole Kristoffersen and Steen Skallbaek, and already has more than 50 locations in their native Denmark, serving freshly baked breads, stews, soups and sandwiches.

Ole & Steen UK operations director Alastair Gordon said he believed it was important to secure a busy, central location, adding that property agents Shelley Sandzer had found “the perfect site”.

“We are glad to be in the company of other exciting operators and can’t wait to introduce our new brand both to the food-loving people of London and also to visitors from around the world,” Gordon said.

Leo Feldman at Shelley Sandzer, added: “The team at Ole & Steen wanted a landmark site for their international debut and we are thrilled to see them take this space. 

“Their site is at the heart of a very quickly developing area, which has recently welcomed Veneta, the latest concept from the Salt Yard Group, as well as Anzu, a new concept from Tonkotsu, and Duck & Waffle’s second London site.”