Arôme's first UK site in The Yards, Covent Garden

Source: Arôme

French bakery Arôme is set to open its first permanent bricks and mortar site in The Yards shopping mall, Covent Garden.

The artisan bakery has signed a new lease with Longmartin Properties on a 2,000 sq ft store at 9 Mercer Street, Covent Garden. The deal marks its first permanent site in the UK, which is due to open in November.

Created by pâtissier Alex Andre and backed by restauranteur Ellen Chew’s Chew on This group, the bakery’s new lease follows its pop-up store in Soho earlier this year.

The menu will retain its French patisserie roots whilst exploring multicultural flavours from Singapore and Japan, Arôme said. Its offering will include Gula Melaka Coconut Bun and Laksa Tomato Bread, as well as a selection of pastries, bread and desserts.

The interior will be inspired by a classic Asian room of simplicity and functionality, said the firm, and will be lined with wooden and large glass panels.

“This latest deal marks a huge milestone for Arôme following our pop-up store in Soho,” said Ellen Chew, co-founder of Arôme.

“We have put a lot of consideration into finding the perfect location for our first ever bricks and mortar bakery. Being based in central London, The Yards Covent Garden is such a desirable area of the West End for foodies.”

The bakery will adhere to the latest government guidelines and apply socially distancing measures and accompanying signage in store.

“Arôme is a unique concept and its commitment to its cultural heritage creates a one-of-a-kind offer that will fit in seamlessly among our popular multicultural eateries. We are pleased Arôme selected The Yards for its first permanent location and this signing highlights our continued investment and dedication to bring innovative and exciting brands to the area,” said Simon Taylor, property director at Longmartin Properties.

Longmartin Properties is a joint venture between Shaftesbury and Mercers’ Company.