Appetite for expansion as latest tenants add to food and restaurant offering

A trio of new eateries is set to join the growing food scene in Leeds’ Arena Quarter, at the Merrion Centre.

Korean family-run restaurant Hama is to launch a 100-seater restaurant on Woodhouse Lane; whilst Saucy Chicks will open a Grill & Bar on Merrion Way. Newcomer Eatime, a casual start-up food business offering fresh Chinese cuisine, has also opened on the internal mall within the centre.

Collectively the latest tenants will occupy more than 6,600 sq ft of space and will create at least 70 jobs.

Hama, which has operated contemporary sister venue, Yokohama Korean Restaurant on Roundhay Road in Leeds for more than four years, will open its venue on Woodhouse Lane in March.  The restaurant will serve traditional Korean food with a BBQ buffet and more than 40 dishes on offer.

Saucy Chicks will serve both grilled and fried chicken dishes when it opens its outlet in February.  The Grill and Bar will also offer music, drinks and live sports tv.

Eatime opened its prominent casual dining venue on the main mall within the Merrion Centre on 22 January and is to further enhance the existing oriental offering with an extensive dine in and takeaway menu.

Master chef, Mr Liang, has been a traditional rotisserie chef for more than 30 years, working as head chef in some of the top hotels in Guangzhou southern China, before moving to the UK and taking up chef roles in top Chinese restaurants in Leeds, York and Manchester.

As well as these latest food outlets, the Merrion Centre has added to its growing health and beauty offering with the recent addition of BROWS to the main mall. The company operates in 22 locations across the UK.

Charles Newman, associate director, estates at Town Centre Securities, owners of The Merrion Centre, said: “Following recent news of luxury a la carte Chinese restaurant Blue Pavilion set to open this year, we’re delighted to announce a further three exciting eateries to the mix which we’re confident will ensure all tastes and budgets are covered and are thrilled to see the new beauty brand BROWS within the centre.

“Our location is proving popular for new occupiers looking to capitalise on the Leeds Arena quarter, where the city’s retail, entertainment, universities, civic and office areas meet and we look forward to making even more announcements in due course.”

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