TOCA Social kicks off second UK venue at Bullring & Grand Central

Interactive football and dining experience TOCA Social has opened its second UK site at Hammerson’s Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham.

The venue is the concept’s first site outside of London and occupies a space above M&S and Zara, completing the repurposing of the former Debenhams store.

Featuring 23 interactive boxes and four bars, TOCA Social Birmingham looks to combines immersive football-based gaming with a food and drink offering designed to complement the experience.

The venue is open seven days a week, and offers packages for corporate events, screenings, and special occasions.

The launch reflects Hammerson’s strategy to broaden the appeal of its destinations through new uses including entertainment, leisure, and social.

Toby Tait, director of asset management at Hammerson, said: “Our vision is to create vibrant, multi-use destinations which offer an exciting mix of complementary social uses, from retail and entertainment to culture and art. The opening of TOCA Social embodies this approach and demonstrates how we are expanding the proposition of our destinations. As a regional first, we are excited to welcome TOCA Social to Bullring and can’t wait to get playing!”

Alex Harman, president at TOCA Social, added: “Launching our second UK site and first outside of the capital is a milestone moment for TOCA Social. As the UK’s second city, and with its vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere, Birmingham is the ideal location for our expansion, and there is no greater destination in the region to bring TOCA Social to than the Bullring.”

TOCA Social will look to complement Bullring & Grand Central’s leisure provision, joining recent additions such as virtual reality concept Sandbox VR and boutique bowling alley brand Lane7. The opening also follows the announcement that Zara will significantly upsize at the scheme later this year, taking over 51,000 sq ft. In addition, new openings at the scheme include Swiss watchmakers Swatch, global footwear brand Clarks, Mexican restaurant brand Zambero, and independent retail brand Pop Street.