Jamie Oliver and Thomasina Miers to open restaurants at Bluewater
Jamie Oliver and former MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers are among a string of operators set to open new restaurants at the Plaza at the Bluewater shopping mall in Kent.
Reopening in November following a major redevelopment, the Plaza will link Bluewater's Thames Walk to the forthcoming Events Venue, which will launch towards the end of the year.
Spread over two levels, it will feature a cinema and 10 restaurants occupying more than 43,000 sq ft, including a new branch of Jamie's Italian and the sixth outlet for Miers' Mexican restaurant group Wahaca.
Other operators opening new sites will include restaurant and bar brand Balans and noodle chain Wagamama, while all-day brasserie concept Browns will open a 9,000 sq ft flagship site that will showcase the group's new design concept.
Meanwhile existing operators including Ed's Easy Diner, TGI Friday's Gourmet Burger Kitchen, La Tasca and Nando's are refurbishing their restaurants at the Plaza and will also reopen on 10 November.
Commenting on the new dining brands, Guy Thomas, head of retail leasing at Lend Lease, said: "The Events Venue at Bluewater is a significant addition that will create a very different offer for guests. It is vital, therefore, to create a restaurant offer that complements the experience."
He added: "All of the new brands provide guests with something quite unique, through a combination of bar areas, innovative menus and the creation of lively atmospheres. Added to which, Jamie's Italian, Browns, Wahaca and Balans have chosen Bluewater for their first restaurants in the region, highlighting our appeal as a first-choice location for leading brands."
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By Kerstin Kühn
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