Wagamama upsize leads trio of F&B investments at Festival Place

Wagamama is set to upsize its existing unit at Festival Place, leading a trio of investments from food and beverage brands at the Basingstoke scheme.

The pan-Asian restaurant chain will take a total of around 3,900 sq ft of space, allowing for an additional 46 diners. Wagamama has been in residence at Festival Place for over 10 years, offering a range of katsu curries, ramen bowls, and noodle dishes.

Meanwhile, family-run café operator Boswells is set to open a 4,766 sq ft space at the scheme. The operator – which has locations across the South and South West of England as well as in Wales – will offer all-day breakfast, salads, jacket potatoes, and afternoon tea.

Also joining the centre is Heavenly Desserts, which will open a 1,300 sq ft space opposite Five Guys. The operator will offer a range of cakes, tarts, cheesecakes, crepes and waffles, as well as a drinks menu which includes milkshakes, smoothies and lemonades.

Poppy Radford, asset manager at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, said: “At Festival Place we are committed to not only adding new brands to diversify our offer, but to nurture existing tenants, creating space for them to invest and grow. This latest trio of deals are evidence of this ongoing commitment, with Boswell’s and Heavenly Desserts adding two fresh hospitality options and Wagamama’s upcoming expansion strengthening the centre’s restaurant offer even further.”

The news follows the recent opening of Slim Chickens at Festival Place, which has opened in a 3,503 sq ft unit opposite the scheme’s entrance.