Latest news with #Wagamama
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Well-known Irish restaurant announces reopening date at ‘exciting location' after shock closure
A WELL-KNOWN Irish restaurant has announced its reopening date at an "exciting location" after a shock closure. Wagamama will reopen its restaurant at Dundrum Town Centre in 2 Wagamama is set to reopen its Dundrum shopping centre location Credit: PA 2 And they're bringing a larger variety of food options Credit: Wagamama After being closed for almost a year, the hugely popular Asian restaurant is finally making a comeback just in time for The relaunch follows a large-scale refurbishment of its Dundrum location - and they have now revealed the food spot will have better variety than ever before. The Bosses said that diners can expect fast service, an open kitchen and a casual atmosphere suited to both quick READ MORE IN MONEY The relaunch is part of the chain's wider comeback across Dublin following a successful reopening in Liffey Valley last month. What's more, to mark the occasion Wagamama is now offering 1,000 free meals during a series of preview events ahead of the official opening. Those interested can register online, though availability is limited and expected to book out quickly. Kelan O'Reilly, Territory Manager for wagamama Ireland, said the team is proud to reopen in Dundrum. MOST READ IN MONEY He said: 'We're proud to be bringing Wagamama back– serving up the iconic dishes fans love, plus some exciting new additions. From katsu curry to steaming ramen, the wait is finally over. 'We're back, and ready to welcome everyone to the bench once again – fresh flavours, fast service, and that wagamama buzz people have missed!' I'm a Wagamama worker - here's what your order says about you Dundrum Town Centre Director Don Nugent added that the refurbished restaurant adds to the variety of options in the He added: 'We're thrilled to see Wagamama return to Dundrum Town Centre. 'It's a much-loved brand that has always had a strong connection with our visitors, and we know the return of the brand will be warmly welcomed. 'The newly refurbished restaurant looks fantastic and adds even more variety to our vibrant Dining District.' Further details, including how to book for preview events, are available on their website at NEW STORE Meanwhile, a new Dublin store is set to open this week as bosses have revealed the exact date, as fans say they're "very excited." The Founded in 2017 by the H&M Group, Arket is a curated, design-led brand that brings together clothing, interiors, accessories and Known for minimalist fashion and homeware, the company said their focus is on clean lines, timeless staples and sustainability - offering pieces that are made to last. Until now, Irish shoppers could only access the brand through its website or while And they are set to open a brand-new of flagship store at 60 Dawson Street, right on the corner of Nassau Street in Co Dublin. Set to open on July 31, it will be part of the new Grafton Place development - a new retail project in the heart of Dublin's city centre. The full Arket collection will be available in-store, including menswear, womenswear, , body care products and a broad range of homeware.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
ITV Coronation Street star 'called out' by former co-star over 's****y' move
Colson Smith, Jack P Shepherd and Ben Price have a successful podcast together and during a recent episode, Colson decided to 'call out' Ben over his behaviour Former Coronation Street actor Colson Smith has cheekily "called out" a former co-star for their antics. The 26-year-old, who recently departed from the iconic ITV soap after being informed his character would face a grim end, portrayed the much-loved PC Craig Tinker for over a decade. Tragically, in May, fans were left shocked as they witnessed PC Craig Tinker fall victim to a savage baseball bat assault during a botched arrest. When he's not on screen, Colson hosts the On the Sofa podcast alongside fellow Corrie veterans Jack P Shepherd and Ben Price. Jack has been gracing the cobbles for more than 25 years as David Platt, while Ben stepped into Nick Tilsley's shoes back in 2009. In a recent instalment of their podcast, Colson humorously decided it was time to "call-out" Ben for his dubious handling of their shared Wagamama's loyalty card. With a hint of jest, Colson said: "I want to kick us off, to call out some bad friendship because one of us has been shady." He added with a laugh: "Now I feel like it's two-against-one here and I'm going to say the words soul club. It's s****y" Colson explained the trio regularly head to the restaurant chain and "collect the stamps" to get a free starter or main course "every now and then". Ben says the stamps "build up quite quick" when the three of them go out together. And the last time they went out together, they discovered he had enough stamps for a free main course. Colson said: "On the last time we went for a meal, me and Jack also redeemed saving you probably £18, but we thought, 'That's fine because next time we go, Ben's got a free main, that saves us, I don't know, £4 each'." Ben however went to Wagamama without his co-stars, taking his daughter to the Media City branch in Salford before a live podcast show. He says the family stopped in Salford instead of Bath, where they live, ahead of the show. Colson called the move "full s**t-house" joking Ben was "eating their money". Jack added: "You've only got those stamps because it's a joint effort." Ben recounted how he was offered a 10 per cent ITV worker discount at the restaurant but opted for a more economical choice, jokingly stating: "I said, 'I think I've got a free main which will work out better for me." He continued with a laugh: "It was a thousands pounds [for] a meal for two, I redeemed the thing and it came down to £15. I think you're right to call me out Colson." Jack, Ben, and Colson became friends on the set of Coronation Street and initially started their podcast as the Sofa Cinema Club, rebranding it in 2023. Together, they offer fans a peek into their lives and share behind-the-scenes gossip from their time on Coronation Street.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Wagamama is here. What other new Mumbai restaurants should you try this weekend
Mumbai's dining scene never sits still. Just when you think you have found your favourite pasta joint or sushi bar, along comes a fresh opening, promising slow-fermented breads, house-cured meats, or cocktails made with foraged botanicals. From sleek chef-driven menus to playful pop-ups turned permanent, here is a guide to Mumbai's buzziest new restaurants. Wagamama The arrival of Wagamama in Mumbai's Churchgate is, at the very least, a confident flex. Housed inside the restored Cambata Building — neighbours with Eros Cinema and Churchgate station — the global ramen chain has made its India debut with a splash of polished minimalism and fast-casual fun. The interiors play to type: neutral tones, soft industrial textures, communal benches, and open kitchens designed for flow. It is slick, unfussy, and designed to look great on your feed without being overtly curated. You can see the London blueprint in every inch and that is both its strength and limitation. The menu is a calibrated 'greatest hits' — katsu curry, bang bang cauliflower, kare burosu, gyozas and donburi bowls all present and accounted for. The ramen is warm and filling, though the broths do not quite achieve the layered complexity of other pan-Asian spots in the city. The chicken tantanmen hits the right spice notes, but the noodles can feel just a touch overcooked if you wait too long. That said, it is comforting in the way airport ramen rarely is. The star, surprisingly, might be the banana katsu — a golden-fried dessert that balances sweetness and crunch with more finesse than expected. Drinks include refreshing cold-pressed juices and zingy mocktails, although cocktails lean a bit too saccharine for their own good. Over 50% of the menu is vegetarian or vegan, which is admirable, but expect a very pan-global interpretation of Asia, not necessarily regionally accurate, nor pretending to be. A meal for two will cost ₹2000 plus taxes; 1st floor, Cambata Building, 42, Maharshi Karve Rd, opposite Oval Maidan, Churchgate, Mumbai - 400020 Gourmet Village at Phoenix Palladium, Lower Parel Set across two levels in the West Zone of Phoenix Palladium, the newly launched Gourmet Village is less a food court and more a curated lifestyle destination for the city's discerning diners. Reimagining the traditional mall dining experience, this upscale zone brings together over 50 restaurants and cafés under one roof. Designed to feel like an eclectic village, the space is laced with greenery, warm lighting, and airy al fresco sections that invite you to linger a little longer than you had planned. There is much to explore: Burma Burma brings its vegetarian Asian fare. Their new dessert menu, called The Sweet Life, fuse timeless classics with Burmese flavours and modern textures. Created in collaboration with award-winning pastry chef Vinesh Johny, the seven-part menu is a punctuation mark to the meal, whether it's jaggery-and-coconut-laced reinterpretations or delicate international patisserie with a twist. Kuuraku offers an authentic izakaya experience (skewers, sake and all), and Delhi's cult favourite Andrea's makes its Mumbai debut with a menu of polished global comfort food. The presence of local staples like Kitchen Garden by Suzette, Foo, Le Pain Quotidien, and Cream Centre adds familiarity, while spots like Fountain Sizzlers and The Silver Train dial up the nostalgia. Sweet finishes come courtesy Harley's Fine Baking and Gold by Ice Cream Works, while the plush Game Palacio lounge throws in some leisure. Gourmet Village, 3rd & 4th Floor, West Zone, Phoenix Palladium. 8/462, Palladium, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400013 Fireback Fireback is what happens when high-concept Thai cuisine meets good execution. With Chef David Thompson, the revered interpreter of Thai culinary history, at the helm as culinary director, the Fireback outpost in Mumbai gets a number of things right. The space inside Nilaya Anthology is predictably striking, but never sterile. Earthy tones, a glowing Josper grill at centre-stage, and atmospheric lighting all give it a refined warmth. It feels upscale, but not intimidating. Food-wise, it is not all pad thai and green curry Expect jungle curries that bite, salads that crunch with toasted rice and lime, and flame-grilled proteins rubbed with pastes made from scratch. Highlights include the smoky lamb chop gorlae with crispy shallots, a well balanced scallop salad brightened with coconut and lemongrass, and the soft-shell crab red curry, which manages to be indulgent without overwhelming. The crab fried rice is unfussy but elevated. The vegetarian options are more than just filler, especially the grilled pumpkin and sweet potato in gorlae sauce, but meat and seafood still lead the narrative. The cocktail menu, created by Varun Sharma, who also leads Comorin downstairs, is layered playful. The Tom Yum Highball has its flaws but it does have bite, while the Galangal — with whisky and pickled galangal brine — is all depth and intrigue. Not every drink hits the mark (some teeter toward over-invention), but the overall bar experience feels well-matched to the food. Prices lean high, and it is not for the unadventurous. But if you are looking for one of the city's most assured openings this year, Fireback is your place. A meal for two, including drinks, will cost ₹4000; Entrance through Comorin at Nilaya Anthology, Peninsula Corporate Park, Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Lower Parel (West), Mumbai - 400013 Sahib Room & Kipling Bar at The St. Regis Mumbai Not new, but newly reimagined, Sahib Room & Kipling Bar at The St. Regis Mumbai returns after a renovation, and it will charm those with a taste for the slow and subtly theatrical. The relaunch brings a revitalised elegance to this jungle-retreat-meets-regal-dining-room, without abandoning its old-world soul. Think tented ceilings, dark wood flooring, antique mirrors, and carved wooden accents. The updated space pays homage to Rudyard Kipling and the princely shikar camps of yore, with richer textures, sleeker lighting, and a new Spectacle Kitchen that lets guests witness the finesse behind the flames. The kitchen continues to serve its unapologetically traditional Indian menu, dialled up with refinement. The murgh rezala is well balanced, while the panch phoron ki sabzi and dahi ke gullar highlight how vegetarian dishes can be treated with as much reverence. The Rampur ki gosht dum biryani and sahib ki yakhni remain rich and comforting. The new drinks programme is an ambitious trail through Kipling's India. From The Bay (Mumbai) to A Sip from the Mahal (Bundi), each cocktail carries layers of local memory, finished with aromatic flourishes and sleek storytelling. The beverage list, featuring Indian spirits, heritage liqueurs, and reinvented classics, is quietly sophisticated and contextual. A meal for two, including drinks, will cost ₹4000 plus taxes; 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400013 Harajuku Tokyo Café & Bakehouse What began as a cheeky, sugar-dusted pop-culture café in Delhi has now evolved into a full-blown Japanese restaurant in Mumbai. At its newest address in Jio World Drive, Harajuku Tokyo Café & Bakehouse opens its most ambitious outpost yet with a multi-sensory restaurant-bar and a bright, pastel-soaked bakehouse. Split across two zones, the 72-seater restaurant comes with a sushi conveyor belt by day and sake bombs and karaoke by night. Expect sushi boats, robot DJs, manga murals, and retro signage, all orchestrated around a menu co-curated with Japanese chefs Asami Indo and Higuchi Nariaki. The food is comfort-led but layered: from the spicy, buttery seafood shio ramen and coal-fired miso salmon off the robata to zany street-style plates like corn dogs, bubbling UFO chicken platters and the umami bomb Naruto's Rush cocktail (yes, vodka, gochujang, and ramen broth in a drink). The sushi section is no afterthought either — the rainbow roll and spicy avocado cream cheese roll are fast favourites. The cocktail menu, curated by Fay Antoine Barretto, comes with Japan-meets-nightlife references, where every drink tells a manga-worthy story. Think Call Me Kimchi, spiked with tequila and house-fermented heat, or the delicate Whisper of the Peach, a Kyoto-inspired blend of Japanese whisky and chamomile. Next door, the 12-seater Harajuku Bakehouse is all soft pinks and Japanese patisserie glow. With soufflé pancakes, cottony cheesecakes, and a new pet-friendly dessert menu. A meal for two will cost ₹2,500 for the cafe and ₹1,200 for the bakehouse; second floor, Jio World Drive, Unit No. S-03, CTS No. 629, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai - 400051 Nando's After years of whispers, Nando's has finally fired up its grills in Mumbai with a flagship casa now open in Kamala Mills, Lower Parel. Known for its cult-favourite flame-grilled peri peri chicken, the brand's arrival is less of a soft launch and more of a full-blown entry for fans of their spicy, saucy poultry. The space itself is bright and expansive, blending Nando's signature Afro-Portuguese design cues with India-specific warmth. Think rustic textures, woven pendant lights, and enough red to match the sauce. The chicken is dependably good. The skin is crisp, the insides juicy, and the basting options range from the gentle lemon and herb to the masochistically fiery extra hot. It is the kind of food that does not pretend to be complex; it is about craveability, not craft. That said, if you're expecting gourmet, slow-cooked nuance, this is not your spot. It is loud, quick, and a bit brash but that is also its charm. Sides like peri-peri fries and spicy rice still hit the spot, but the vegetarian options feel like an afterthought compared to the protein-rich offerings. Service is fast but not fussy, and there is enough room to host a group without elbowing for space. A meal for two will cost ₹1000 inclusive of taxes; Unit 2, Ground Floor, Trade Garden Building, Kamala Mill's Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Thai chain created by Wagamama founder collapses into administration
A popular restaurant chain created by Wagamama founder Alan Yau has become the latest hospitality business to fall into administration. Busaba Eathai drafted in administrators from Leonard Curtis earlier this month, potentially marking the beginning of the end for the 25-year-old group, Companies House documents show. At its peak, the chain had 16 restaurants before financial difficulties forced it to cut back to 12 in 2020. It blamed the loss on higher costs, weaker London footfall owing to the cost of living crisis, and 'summer-wide disruption caused by industrial action on train and tube network'. Busaba is the latest hospitality firm to face financial troubles as the sector shoulders a huge increase in employment costs after hikes to national insurance contributions and the living wage earlier this year. Hospitality firms also face higher energy costs, while the industry says business rates are too high.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Beloved UK restaurant chain with 7 locations founded by Wagamama's owner collapses into administration
A BELOVED restaurant chain, which was created by the founder of Wagamama, has collapsed into administration. Busaba Eathai drafted in administrators from Leonard Curtis on July 16, according to filings on Companies House. 1 At its peak, the Thai chain operated 16 restaurants, but this was reduced to 12 following a CVA in 2020. It currently operates seven locations, with six in London and one in Lakeside shopping centre in Essex. These sites are still operating as usual. Over the last few years, the chain launched several new projects to try and cope in the tumultuous restaurant industry post-pandemic. In 2022, they opened an izakaya-inspired bar called Ajia, as well as a new restaurant in Oxford. These didn't last long, closing down in 2023 amidst falling profits. Last year, the restaurant chain announced an overhaul of their Stratford site, as well as a new trial restaurant. They hoped to appeal to younger audiences with a range of small plates and an emphasis on drinks. Busaba's menu includes a range of curries, noodle dishes and grills. What does going into administration mean? WHEN a company enters into administration, all control is passed to an appointed administrator. The administrator has to leverage the company's assets and business to repay creditors any outstanding debts. Once a company enters administration, a "moratorium" is put in place which means no legal action can be taken against it. Administrators write to your creditors and Companies House to say they've been appointed. They try to stop the company from being liquidated (closing down), and if it can't it pays as much of a company's debts from its remaining assets. The administrator has eight weeks to write a statement explaining what they plan to do to move the business forward. This must be sent to creditors, employees and Companies House and invite them to approve or amend the plans at a meeting. A Notice of Intention is used to inform concerning parties that a company intends to enter administration. It is a physical document which is submitted to court, usually by directors aiming to prevent a company from being liquidated. Like with a standard administration process, a Notice of Intention stops creditors from taking out any legal action over a company while they try and rectify the business.
