Both of Burmese heritage, the pair have run Lahpet in Shoreditch since 2018 offering authentic food from the South East Asian country now known as Myanmar.
The restaurant is one of a handful in the capital to offer Burmese dishes, including mohinga (catfish and lemongrass chowder), coconut noodles with chicken and the namesake lahpet thohk, a salad of pickled tea leaves.
The pair has signed for a 2,500 sq ft unit at 21 Slingsby Place, which is located near the recently extended and relaunched Dishoom in St Martin’s Courtyard, which is on Upper St Martin's Lane.
“We knew we wanted to open our next restaurant in the heart of central London, and Covent Garden’s bustling and vibrant community is the ideal place for us to branch out," says Anton.
"When we visited The Yards we saw first hand its appeal as an exciting dining hub in one of London’s most iconic areas. With our unique offering and the strength of a new West End location, we are sure Lahpet Covent Garden will be a huge success and we can’t wait to get started on our latest venture.”
Longmartin Properties - a joint venture between major London landlord Shaftesbury and Mercers’ Company - has also revealed that it has been granted planning permission for change of use at 9 Slingsby Place, authorising the alteration from its current retail use status to Sui Generis – unique to certain locations – and in this case a potential live music venue.
“Through our continued investment and commitment to the area, The Yards has become an exceptional dining hotspot with unique and popular brands such as Lahpet and Dishoom," says Charlie Owen, Property Director at Shaftesbury.
"Despite the impact of Covid-19, the Lahpet deal and the highly sought after planning permission which has been granted for 9 Slingsby Place will further compliment the surrounding the courtyard offer and contribute to Covent Garden’s leading night-time economy. A proposition many are looking forward to post lockdown.”