Shropshire Star

Wagamama opts out of Southwater

Popular Japanese-style  restaurant chain Wagamama will no longer be opening a new branch at Southwater in Telford.

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Wagamama was one of a number of new restaurants set to open in the multi-million pound Southwater development.

However, it has now been revealed that the noodle bar will no longer be coming.

The decision has reportedly been made as part of a national review of all of the chain's new openings.

The vacant premises will instead be taken over with by Coal Bar and Grill.

Russell Griffin, a spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "We are obviously disappointed that Wagamama has decided not to open a restaurant in the new £250m Southwater development, which has transformed Telford town centre.

"We initially announced Wagamama with their agreement along with the other restaurants and leisure facilities and up until very recently we believed they would still be opening.

"However, we are delighted that we are able to welcome Coal Grill and Bar in to the unit that Wagamama were due to occupy.

"We feel that Coal Grill and Bar will increase the diversity of the Southwater offer and we are sure they will be warmly received by the public of Telford."

Wagamama was unavailable to comment.

Southwater's new branches of Zizzis and Pizza Express opened at the start of September, hot on the heels of Harvester Salad and Grill and Bella Italia.

The three restaurants join the already open Mimosa restaurant, which opened close to the Ice Rink earlier this year.

Also open in the £250 million development is a 11-screen IMAX Cineworld cinema and Starbucks, the Premier Inn, estate agent Butters John Bee and the gold-clad Southwater One building, which opened its doors to the public on July 14.

Mexican restaurant chain Chimichanga is set to be the next business to open its new restaurant in Southwater on October 1, creating 20 new jobs.

A special launch event for the entire Southwater development is planned for October 18.

Telford & Wrekin Council leader, Kuldip Sahota, said: "Southwater has already proved a huge success with thousands of visitors to the Southwater One building, lake and new restaurants and cinema.

"We have been delighted by the response from our residents and their enthusiasm for the new development.

"The official opening next month will be a time to celebrate what we've achieved and for everyone to come and have a fun day out and enjoy everything that Southwater has to offer."

A new branch of a popular chicken restaurant is set to open in Telford today. The new branch of Nando's has created 37 new jobs

The restaurant, famous for its Peri-peri chicken, will seat 126 diners - with a extra 48 seats outside.

Jason Fellows, regional managing director of Nando's said: "We're thrilled to finally open the doors to our new Telford restaurant."

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