Openings of the week

Brightside, Exeter

Loungers will open its first Brightside restaurant today (Friday 10 February), in Kennford. Located on the A38, just south of Exeter, the roadside concept is opening in the former Route 5 site and has been transformed to evoke the memories and excitement of childhood road trips.

The interior has been inspired by the 1970s and 80s, caravan interiors, classic road trip and movies, with the walls panelled in a rich cherry wood veneer, with the dining are furnished with creamy Formica topped tables, with the chairs upholstered with orange and brown striped bus seat fabric.

The menu features comfort food, including breakfast dishes, sourdough pizzas and an adaptation of the classic ham, egg and chips, featuring treacle-cured pork belly and waffle fries with a charred pineapple and chilli salsa, for example.

Wagamama, Norwich

Wagamama opened its 155^th UK site at the Riverside Retail Park on Wherry Road in Norwich earlier this week.

It’s the second Norwich restaurant for the brand and has been designed for 118 covers inside and extra 12 outside.

Norwich’s general manager, Kelly Unsworth said: “We have been feeding the Norwich community for nearly ten years, and with the expansion of another restaurant means we can welcome even more of our beloved and loyal customers, including new faces to enjoy our nutritional and delicious dishes.”

Shake Shack, Camden

Hot on the heels of its Oxford Cirus opening, Shake Shack has announced that it will be opening its 13^th UK site at 287 Camden High Street, facing Regent’s Canal.

The US burger chain is collaborating with London-based artist Aga Giecko on a custom illustration for the building’s exterior, which will be inspired by the energy and culture of Camden.

The menu will feature all of Shake Shack’s classic items, including the signature ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries, flat-top dogs, ShackMeister Ale and hand-spin shakes in addition to special menu items unique to Shake Shack Camden.

Pure, Waterloo

Pure has reopened the doors of its flagship Waterloo Station site which has been closed as part of the refurbishment of the station since August last year.

The revamped shop has been built sustainably, reusing and repurposing previous fixtures and fittings, it said. It has also added digital menu boards and an extra 20 seats for guests.

The first opening of 2023 for Pure, the business said it keen to get back on the expansion trial with London footfall back in full swing.

Pure CEO and Founder, Spencer Craig said: “London is buzzing again and this will be the first of a handful of openings for Pure over the next 12-18 months.”

Megan’s, Richmond

Neighbourhood dining concept Megan’s has opened its 19^th site in Richmond at the Old Town Hall.

The restaurant has the capacity for 150 covers across two floors, with the menu to feature its signature shakshouka baked eggs at brunch, through to their posh kebabs and Mediterranean mezzes at dinner.

The business, which won the Emerging Concept Award at MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer Awards 2022, said it had bold ambitions for Megan’s with six sites to open this year, including Guildford in April.

Fish Game, Canary Wharf

Founder and owner of Italian restaurant group Macellaio RC is to open a new restaurant called Fish Game in Canary Wharf this spring.

As the name suggests, the venue will serve a daily changing menu of the UK’s best game and fish, cooked over fire and charcoal. There will also be a tequila bar, where aperitivo will be served daily, with the wine list to have a large focus on small artisan producers.

The restaurant will also feature a private dining room for 12 people.

Biershenke, Covent Garden

Liverpool St German Bierkeller, Biershenke has acquired the former Belgo Central site in Covent Garden for an opening this spring.

The venue will occupy the Victorian Grade 2 listed site, with 12,000 sq. ft of vaulted brick ceilings and flagstone floors. It will offer authentic German beers along with a menu of German fare, sausages, crispy Haxe and Schnitzel.