Hines has signed food and beverage operator Caravan at its mixed-use 91K SF Grainhouse redevelopment amid a spate of new retail and F&B signings in and around the Covent Garden piazza.

Caravan at Grainhouse is set to open its two-floor, 6.2K SF restaurant later this summer and will become the first operator to join the building’s 23K SF retail and leisure space.

Acquired off-market by the Hines European Value Fund 2 in March 2020, Grainhouse will become Hines’ new European headquarters, with its office space spanning 36K SF across three floors of the five-level building.

The former Victorian seed warehouse Grainhouse has been redeveloped to retain its industrial heritage, interlinking four period buildings, and the building has street-level retail and amenities.

Caravan was secured by specialist UK leisure and F&B property agency Shelley Sandzer, acting on behalf of Hines.

Meanwhile, chef Phil Howard, known for the Michelin-starred Elystan Place, is set to open his second fresh pasta restaurant Notto on Henrietta Street, Covent Garden. The opening date is yet to be confirmed but will follow his debut outlet just off Piccadilly Circus.

Outdoor and lifestyle clothing brand Gramicci opened its first physical store at 3 Earlham St. in late June. Spanning 1.4K SF, the shop showcases the brand’s functional clothing for men, women and children, as well as exclusive collaborations with the likes of Wacko Maria and Adsum.

The brand joins independent fashion retailer Odd Muse, optician Bloobloom and a 15.6K SF flagship Uniqlo and Theory joint flagship store, all of which opened in and around Covent Garden in April.

Sports brand Peloton also opened a store next to its Covent Garden studio on Floral Street earlier this year, the second such concept in its portfolio after New York. The loss-making company is currently making severe cuts across its operations.