Luxury restaurant to create up to 50 more jobs

A luxury Chinese restaurant is to open next summer at the Merrion Centre, in Leeds.

Blue Pavilion, a venture devised by the owners of the Blue Sakura brand, is investing about £2m in the building at 82-90 Merrion Street and will create up to 50 new jobs in the region.

The restaurant will occupy more than 7,100 sq ft of space over the ground and first floor; situated on the prominent corner at the busy junction of Merrion Street, Woodhouse Lane and Albion Street.

Guests at the 130-cover restaurant, which will be able to take advantage of an exclusive VIP private dining room, while enjoying oriental fine dining alongside live entertainment.

In addition, the adjoining new first floor karaoke venue, K Kube, will be able to accommodate an additional 40 customers over seven rooms with both venues earmarked for opening in summer 2022.

Tong Huang, director at Blue Pavilion, said: “Following the success of Blue Sakura, we are confident Blue Pavilion will prove a huge hit with discerning diners looking for innovative Chinese cuisine and first-class entertainment facilities.

“Our prime position within the Arena Quarter, coupled with stunning, contemporary surroundings will ensure Blue Pavilion is firmly on the map as a memorable dining destination for Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region.”

Charles Newman, associate director, estates at Town Centre Securities (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre said: “We are delighted to announce Blue Pavilion as the latest high-end restaurant to join our international dining offer.

“Whilst customers have a fantastic existing range of venues to choose from at the Merrion Centre, the addition of Blue Pavilion is set to bring something unique by combining top class Oriental cuisine with cool karaoke and live entertainment under one roof.”

The latest restaurant should further complements the Merrion Centre’s growing international dining offer, which last year saw the launch of the contemporary Korean/Japanese fusion restaurant, Oba Kitchen & Bar and the noodle bar Mi’s Noodles.

Current occupiers within the Arena Quarter also feature independent international eateries such as Blue Sakura, Bulgogi Grill, My Thai, Fuji Hiro and Bengal Brasserie.

In addition, it hosts a variety of big brand restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues, including Tenpin, Key Club, Starbucks and Pizza Express.