Founded in Shanghai in 2022, the concept now has 15 sites across China serving Italian pastries, breads, desserts and coffee.
The new opening follows the launch of the bakery’s first UK site in Holborn earlier this year.
The new Covent Garden bakery menu includes cornetti filled with pistachio cream, chocolate and seasonal custards, ricotta-filled cannoli, focaccia, regional breads and Italian desserts.
The Drury Lane site also has two exclusive menu items: an Eton Mess maritozzo, combining the Roman sweet bun with cream, strawberries and meringue; and pane cunzatu, a Sicilian sandwich associated with the Aeolian Islands.
The two dishes will change throughout the year according to seasonal ingredients.
The venue occupies a corner site with large windows, outdoor seating, a central island, curved counter and a large mirror behind the pastry display, alongside Italian retail products.
Nonna Bakery was founded by Sicilian lawyer Matteo Cicero and Dr Jonathan Hazon, a GP who has worked in the Holborn and Covent Garden area for more than 16 years.
“I’ve always loved the sense of community in Holborn and Covent Garden, when I met Matteo and started talking about bringing Nonna to London, Covent Garden was always where we imaged the home would be,” says Hazon.
“It took patience to find the right location, but we wanted somewhere that felt welcoming, vibrant and full of character.
“Seeing Nonna become part of this neighbourhood feels incredibly rewarding.”
Cicero adds: “Nonna began because I simply couldn’t find the bread I grew up eating after moving to Shanghai.
What started as a way to recreate a taste of home has grown into something much more incredible and exciting, but our philosophy hasn’t changed.
Every pastry, loaf and dessert is rooted in familiar and comforting Italian recipes, with genuine hospitality. Bringing Nonna to London, and especially to Covent Garden, feels like an important milestone because it allows us to share that experience with one of the world’s most international audiences.”
The company is also introducing a refreshed brand identity across its UK and Chinese locations as it continues to expand