Premier Hospitality

Wagamama Bridgend

Wagamama
Written by Roma Publications

Wagamama

Wagamama

Popular Asian restaurant Wagamama has unveiled a new venue at Bridgend, in the McArthur Glen outlet village. Offering irresistible Japanese inspired cuisine, Wagamama’s menu includes a whole range of rice and noodle dishes, alongside fresh salads and sharing plates.

Established since 1992, Wagamama opened its first doors in London’s Bloomsbury. Following this, the brand has gone onto host a whole chain of restaurants all over the UK. Enthused by fast-paced, Japanese Ramen bars, Wagamama celebrates the fun and flavours of Asian food.

Design agency Focus Design carried out the interior design and external dining aspects for the project at Bridgend. Passionate about the work they deliver, Focus Design works with companies to develop successful, creative spaces. The main contractor on the project was Bridgeford Interiors Ltd.

James Hamilton, Director at Focus Design, spoke to Premier Hospitality, revealing that:

“Formerly onsite was a retail unit; the project began onsite in December 2015 and handed over in February 2016. The restaurant opened on 29th February.

“The client and customer feedback has been fantastic since the restaurant opened and I am led to believe that it is trading beyond expectations, which is testament to the strength of the Wagamama brand. This was a very new and fresh restaurant offering for the Bridgend Outlet centre and we at Focus Design are very proud of the finished product.

“Transforming sites of this type always pose their own unique challenges but this is part of the process that we relish.”

To give each individual site a sense of identity, the finishes are tailored to suit each restaurant. For example Wagamama Bridgend features reclaimed brick walls, polished concrete finishes, brass columns and oak cladding kitchen passes. Marble cladding to the serveries and charming peach tint mirrors with blackened steel surround add to the character of the venue.

Wagamama’s signature statement open kitchen has been brought right into the forefront of the restaurant enticing customers in with the excitement and theatre of the kitchen activity. The preparation of the food is very honest with the chef’s work on display.

Wagamama

“The external seating area provides an opportunity for year round external dining (should temperatures allow!).The style is simple but elegant – true to Wagamama’s minimalistic nature,” added James.

“The main objective for any project is to ensure that the finished product ‘belongs’ in the space. All the sites we design for Wagamama are very different and have their own identity – however they are all instantly recognisable through the many common elements that serve to link the brand.  Specifically the iconic communal seating, beautiful natural materials and excellent customer service to name a few.”

“We could not ask for a better client and we have an extremely good working relationship. This is based on trust and our personal attention to every project. “

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Roma Publications