Mediterranean food brand chooses Derby for first UK restaurant

Shopping mall Derbion has added fast-growing Mediterranean food brand, Villa Express, as a tenant.

Villa Express is opening its first physical venue in the UK at Derbion’s Food Terrace on Level 2 in July.

Villa Express, founded in 2013, originates in Canada and the Derby outlet will its first location in the UK, with three more eateries planned to open across the Midlands over the coming months.

Derbion has recently invested over £3.6m into its dining offer including £2m into the refurbishment of its Food Terrace. The refurbishment has introduced a raft of new brands – including Popeyes®, Burger & Sauce, Mexican street-food brand Tortilla – with Villa Express set to arrive over the coming weeks.

Beth McDonald, managing dDirector of Derbion, said: “We’re delighted to announce that Villa Express will be joining our expanding dining offer and are excited to be able to offer shoppers the chance to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean – a brand-new cuisine choice within the centre.

“The growth of our food brands and the recent investment into our Food Terrace demonstrates our ongoing commitment to offer a wide range of dining experiences for our visitors to enjoy, and we’re confident that Villa Express will be a popular choice once it opens this summer.”

Avi Virk, managing director of Villa Express, added: “We’re thrilled to be opening our first UK location at Derbion, and are really looking forward to sharing our delicious Mediterranean menu with Derby’s foodies.

“Shoppers can expect some fantastic launch offers to celebrate our grand opening, which will include free lunch and an entire month of exclusive promotions. We look forward to sharing further news on our official opening date and the celebrations in store soon, and we can’t wait to introduce our brand to the people of Derby.”