Trafford Centre opens dining area dedicated to Mancunian talent

A new restaurant dining development dedicated to Mancunian talent has opened at retail and leisure destination, Trafford Centre, in a first for the shopping centre.

Eastern Garden is in response to consumer demand and celebrates independent operators, with a line-up that includes Nichi, Chit ‘n’ Chaat, Hello Oriental and Blanchflower Coffee and Bakery.

The retail centre says the new area, which was once referred to as Chinatown, is a vibrant and visually stunning dining destination designed to reflect a blend of traditional and contemporary Asian aesthetics.

The four culinary concepts each bring their unique flavours and experiences to the Eastern Garden setting.

Nichi is a contemporary Japanese dining experience with a Peruvian twist. It was born in Manchester and opened its flagship 3,000 sq ft restaurant in the centre in late 2024.

The restaurant offers a premium, immersive dining experience, specialising in sushi, live robata cooking and tableside flambé. It will also feature a mezzanine level for private omakase dining and live DJ performances on weekends.

Renowned Mancunian street food hall, Hello Oriental, which opened its first branch just off Oxford Road, is a welcome addition to the retail destination. Founded by Ricky Yip and Azim Koura, the menu boasts more than 100 dishes, including popular East Asian street food and traditional favourites, ranging from dim sum to noodles to Cantonese roast meats and also includes a full kids’ menu.

Born and bred in Greater Manchester, Chit ‘n’ Chaat occupies a 2,000 sq ft unit in the centre, its fifth location in the region. Since its inception in 2020, Chit n Chaat has been passionate about delivering authentic, Indian street food.

Founded by Phil and Claire Howells, Blanchflower has its own bakery in Sale, producing bread, cakes and pastries. Opening in the coming weeks, from cruffins to Bakewell tarts, focaccias to homemade granola, diners can enjoy a mouthwatering selection of seasonal items all handmade by a small team of bakers and pastry chefs using locally sourced ingredients.

Kitty Vaughan, Head of F&B and Leisure leasing at Pradera Lateral, the international retail property investment fund and asset management business that operates the centre, said: “At Trafford Centre, we are committed to offering our visitors an exciting and diverse food and beverage experience that celebrates our global customers and champions homegrown talent.

“Eastern Garden not only enjoys a wide array of unique and authentic flavours but also represents the vibrant and dynamic culinary scene of Manchester. This initiative is a significant step in our ongoing investment to diversify the exciting culinary offering at Trafford Centre.”