Retail Property Deals

The Broadway bolsters F&B lineup with GAIL’s signing at St James’s Park

27th May 2026

GAIL’s is set to open a new bakery at The Broadway, the mixed-use development at St James’s Park in London. The operator will be taking a 3,200 sq ft space, which will open in July and accommodate for 74 internal and 25 external covers. The Broadway comprises 258 residencies across six towers, alongside 116,000 sq ft of office space and 24,000 sq ft of dining and retail space at ground floor level. The addition of GAIL’s means that 12 of the scheme’s 14 retail units are now leased, representing 77% of the total retail area. The operator joins a number of food and beverage brands already present at The Broadway, including Atis, Farmer J, Coyo Taco, Açaí Berry, and Nostos Coffee. Alex Michelin, co-founder and CEO of Valouran, said: “Wherever GAIL’s open, they bring energy, a genuine sense of community and a quality that sets the tone for everything around them. They have earned a loyal following across London by never compromising on quality or craft, and their decision to open at The Broadway speaks to the exceptional destination we are creating in St James’s Park. We are excited to welcome them this summer and know they will become a […]

M Core completes sixth letting in 12 months at Swansea retail park

22nd May 2026

M Core has completed its sixth letting in 12 months at M Parc Fforestfach in Swansea, following the signings of Wingers and Nando’s. The two food and beverage brands have signed 15-year leases for a total of nearly 6,000 sq ft of space. Wingers has taken a 2,040 sq ft unit for its first location in Wales, which will open in June. Meanwhile Nando’s will open in a 3,945 sq ft unit in July. M Core said the pace and quality of letting activity at M Parc Fforestfach is a direct result of its active asset management approach, as it looks to reposition the park around operators with strong national brand equity and loyal customer bases. Adam Martin, director and head of the Bristol Office at LCP UK, part of M Core, said: “We’re delighted to welcome both Wingers and Nando’s to M Parc Fforestfach. These lettings reflect our strategy of attracting well-loved, high-quality brands that strengthen the appeal of the park and provide even more choice for the local community. Together with the other new openings over the past year, it’s a positive picture for Fforestfach and for Swansea.” Anthony Round, franchise development at Wingers, added: “Wingers are very...

Trafford Centre to serve up Dave’s Hot Chicken this summer

22nd May 2026

Dave’s Hot Chicken is set to add to the food and beverage offering at Manchester’s Trafford Centre. The US-based hot chicken brand will join a lineup of over 40 food and beverage operators at the scheme, offering a range of Nashville-style chicken tenders and sliders. Located within The Orient food court, Dave’s Hot Chicken’s new location will feature a Los Angeles-inspired interior with a street art aesthetic. Kitty Vaughan, director and head of UK leisure and F&B leasing at Pradera, asset manager of Trafford Centre, said: “Dave’s Hot Chicken is exactly the kind of globally recognised, high-growth brand we’re focused on bringing to Trafford Centre. Its arrival reflects both the strength of the destination and the continued demand we’re seeing from leading F&B operators looking for standout, high-performing locations. “With sustained footfall, a best-in-class retail and leisure offer and a proven track record of supporting brand growth, Trafford Centre remains the optimum choice for operators looking to make an impact in the UK market.” Keyana Mohammadi, head of marketing at Dave’s Hot Chicken, added: “Trafford Centre is one of the UK’s leading retail and leisure destinations, making it the perfect home for Dave’s Hot Chicken. We’re excited to bring our spice and […]

Kuoni Travel to open standalone store at Cribbs

21st May 2026

Kuoni Travel is set to open a new standalone store at Cribbs Mall in Bristol after 12 years at the scheme. The travel operator, which currently operates within the centre’s John Lewis store, has signed a five-year lease to occupy the 600 sq ft former Goose & Gander unit. Kuoni offers a range of holidays, including long-haul island-escapes, safaris, honeymoons, road trips, family holidays, group tours, and cruises. The operator’s commitment to Cribbs Mall follows a number of new deals at the scheme, including the openings of New Zealand clothing brand Rodd & Gunn alongside MINISO. Cribbs Mall has also welcomed a number of food and beverage providers this year, including Loungers, Joe & the Juice, Wingstop and Honest Burgers. In addition, footwear and apparel brand Skechers has upsized to a new 4,700 sq ft unit at the scheme after signing a 10-year lease. Katie Searle, director of asset management at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, said: “Welcoming Kuoni Travel marks another important step in broadening and strengthening the mix of retail and leisure at Cribbs. We are always looking to evolve the offer so that it resonates with both local visitors, those travelling in from across the South West and further […]

Game on for Activate at Harlequin Watford

21st May 2026

Immersive gaming concept Activate is set to join Harlequin Watford after signing for a 15,592 sq ft unit. The competitive socialising concept is being delivered by We Do Play, the group behind trampoline and indoor park operator Flip Out, which also has a venue at Harlequin Watford. The new venue will look to combine immersive gaming with technology-driven challenges, designed for groups of visitors. It will feature all of Activate’s flagship experiences, featuring lasers, grids, hoops, portals, and reaction-based challenges. The upcoming arrival of Activate comes as SGS UK Retail, which owns and operates Harlequin Watford, looks to evolve the scheme’s tenant mix with a rejuvenated leisure focus. Rich Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, said: “Watford is a thriving, well-connected town with a strong retail and leisure offer, making Harlequin a natural choice for Activate. Retail destinations that invest in immersive leisure experiences are encouraging increased dwell time and repeat visits, particularly among younger audiences and families. Activate is designed to tap into that demand with a high-energy, bookable experience that delivers something genuinely different.” Robert Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera, added: “Harlequin has evolved into far more than a traditional shopping destination, and the signing […]

New sushi concept to make debut in Soho

21st May 2026

Saltwater, a new takeaway sushi concept, is set to open its debut site at 3-4 Berwick Street in Soho, London. Created by Elliot Milne, who is also behind all-day Australian eatery Milk Beach, Saltwater will be taking a 2,500 sq ft space, where it will feature a quick-service offer inspired by the dynamic takeaway sushi bars in Sydney and Los Angeles. The restaurant will feature a spacious counter and open preparation area as well as an inside eating area, offering a menu featuring a range of handrolls, nigiri, and hot donburi bowls. Emma Matus, head of restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “The arrival of Saltwater is an exciting addition to Soho’s thriving F&B landscape, which continues to evolve with new concepts. It also reinforces Soho as a first-choice destination for brands looking to introduce new concepts to a discerning audience; the neighbourhood’s busy nature and diverse customer base makes it the ideal location for a fast-paced dining concept. Berwick Street is an established lunchtime hotspot, and Saltwater will bring something new to the table here.” The signing follows the recent news that Padella has opened at 2 Kingly Street, making its West End debut in Soho.

The Entertainer to open largest store in over a decade at Hatfield’s Galleria

14th May 2026

The Entertainer is set to open its largest store in over a decade later this month at The Galleria outlet centre in Hatfield. The 8,000 sq ft space will be the toys and games retailer’s first to trade under its new sub-brand “The Entertainer, Toys for Less”. It will stock products from brands including Pokémon, One Piece, Toy Story 5, Paw Patrol and Barbie, with the majority selling for 30% less than in the retailer’s other stores. The Entertainer will join a number of leading brands at The Galleria including M&S, Le Creuset, and Waterstones. Andrew Murphy OBE, group chief executive officer of The Entertainer, said: “Our Toys for Less outlet store in Hatfield will be our biggest new store for over a decade and is an important extension to our existing trading approach. While there will be further Toys for Less stores opening later this year, these are very much complimentary to our 150-strong core estate and will not replace them or compete in our existing catchments.” Graham Clark, leasing director at The Galleria Hatfield, added: “We’re delighted to welcome The Entertainer to The Galleria. This exciting new outlet store is a fantastic addition to our retail mix, bringing a much-loved family brand to […]

Shaftesbury Capital brings five F&B brands to Covent Garden

13th May 2026

Shaftesbury Capital has completed new signings with five food and beverage brands, all of which will be joining the group’s Covent Garden estate in London. Pizza-by-the-slice concept Carmy’s will make its debut at 1a Monmouth Street this summer, taking a 820 sq ft space. The new concept will offer New York-style pizza slices and will sit on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue, a key gateway into the Seven Dials neighbourhood. Meanwhile, Frothee is set to open its second London location at 29 Bedfordbury later this month. Known for its matcha coffee, the viral café concept is taking a 400 sq ft unit, offering a range of matcha and cold foam drinks. Also joining the Covent Garden estate is JUNK Burger, which has signed for a 1,600 sq ft space at 19 New Row for its third site in the UK, while JUNK Group’s Puffy Cookies is set to open a 1,200 sq ft store at 3 New Row. Following the success of JUNK Burger, Puffy Cookies launched in 2023 and this latest store will become its third in London. Finally, modern Mediterranean restaurant concept Elia is set to open its first site in the lower level of Covent Garden’s historic, […]

Montreal-born brand GARAGE to continue UK expansion with Trafford Centre launch

12th May 2026

Montreal-born fashion and lifestyle brand GARAGE is set to continue its UK expansion with the opening of a new store at Manchester’s Trafford Centre. The new Trafford Centre store will offer a spacious environment that has been designed to showcase the brand’s full range of clothing. The signing follows the openings of GARAGE’s debut UK stores, located at Bluewater Shopping Centre and on Oxford Street. The brand, which operates 231 stores across North America, also recently signed for its first store in the city at Manchester Arndale. The fashion category has continued to be a standout growth driver at Trafford Centre, with over 50% of total sales growth in 2025 generated by fashion, sportswear and footwear, with those categories up +14% year-on-year. Kate Pearson, director of portfolio leasing at Pradera, Trafford Centre’s asset manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome GARAGE to Trafford Centre, with the store set to open in fall 2026. We have worked closely with the brand over the past 18 months to secure the right opportunity on Lower Peel Avenue, following recent openings of Hollister, Stradivarius and Pureseoul. Our global fashion houses continue to go from strength to strength, and GARAGE further cements Trafford’s position as the […]

Eme Studios to make UK debut on Carnaby Street

11th May 2026

Eme Studios is set to make its UK debut and open its first permanent store outside of Spain on London’s Carnaby Street. The new 1,500 sq ft space will offer a range of men’s, women’s, and unisex pieces, including knitwear, jackets, and other apparel. Founded in Spain in 2018, Eme Studios currently has stores in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, and trades online in over 100 countries. The brand’s to open its first-ever bricks-and-mortar store in the UK its strategic expansion aspirations. Eme Studios follows in the footsteps of several international brands that started their UK journey in Soho, including the likes of Adidas Originals, Axel Arigato, Autry, and Alohas. William Oliver, director of retail and restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Carnaby Street is a timeless, iconic destination that offers the ideal environment for digitally native brands to start physical retail journeys in the UK. Eme Studios complements our existing brand mix at the southern gateway into Carnaby Street, with its culture-driven clothing matching consumer demand. Given the success of Edikted, TALA, Sheep Inc, and other digitally native brands, it is clear why Carnaby Street and Soho continue to be first-choice for these best-in-class retailers.” Gabriel Morón, co-owner of Eme...

Darlington’s Cornmill Shopping Centre to serve up Pepe’s Piri Piri

11th May 2026

Cornmill Shopping Centre in Darlington, County Durham, is set to add Pepe’s Piri Piri to its food and beverage lineup. The grilled chicken restaurant chain has signed a 10-year lease agreement at the shopping centre, and will occupy a the former Burger King unit which was vacated in 2020. Founded in 2004, Pepe’s Piri Piri has built a reputation for bringing Piri Piri to the high street, with a focus on flame-grilled techniques and customisable spice levels. Zoe France, Centre Manager at Cornmill Shopping Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pepe’s Piri Piri to Cornmill Shopping Centre. Our customers have been asking for more food options within the centre, and we are pleased to be delivering on that feedback with this opening.”

Battersea powers up retail and leisure lineup with 10 new deals

11th May 2026

Battersea Power Station is set to welcome 10 new retail and leisure openings in 2026, expanding its offering to over 170 shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Early spring saw the arrivals of Swiss luxury chocolatier Läderach inside the Grade II listed Power Station and Me Place Nursery in Circus West Village, which provides childcare for one-to-five-year olds during the week. Opening soon at the power station is health-focused café, Jungleberry Acai, and blow-dry bar Duck & Dry on Electric Boulevard, the neighbourhood’s pedestrianised high street. Meanwhile Argentine food specialist Chango Empanadas will open inside the new Battersea Power Station London Underground Entrance, which opened in October 2025. This summer, Battersea Power Station will welcome a number of international brands, including lifestyle retailer Anthropologie, Asian dining concept Noodle Inn, Japanese restaurant Konjiki, Korean beauty retailer Moida K-Beauty, and fitness and lifestyle club One City, which has chosen Battersea Power Station to open its first London studio. Also adding to the fitness and wellness offer at Battersea Power Station is Third Space, which is taking an additional 13,833 sq ft to expand its existing 28,000 sq ft space. In early summer, LIPS healthcare will also expand its services at Battersea Power...