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Restaurants Thaikhun and Barburrito set to open first North East ventures

intu Metrocentre is set to welcome two new additions to its growing restaurant scene, as eateries Thaikhun and Barburrito will be opening outlets in the North East for the first time.

Nine restaurant names have signed up for the extended Qube dining and leisure quarter so far. With an additional two food providers close to being announced, the area is expected to be fully pre-let six months before its Spring 2016 launch.

intu, which owns and manages regional shopping centres in the UK, is spending £16m on extending the Qube dining and leisure quarter at intu Metrocentre, which has two million sq ft of retail, catering and leisure space. This is part of intu’s £1.5bn investment pipeline in the UK over the next 10 years.

Kim Kaewkraikhot, owner/ chef director of Thai street food venue Thaikhun, said: “I want to bring the true cooking of my country to customers throughout the UK. It’s exciting to be opening in another new region of England.

“intu Metrocentre will be a great place for us and we’re really looking forward to being part of the Qube dining and leisure quarter. The buzz in the place is great for our street food and will echo the excitement of the streets of Bangkok.”

Barburrito’s is also opening its first North East restaurant at intu Metrocentre. Jim Bishop, head of property at Barburrito, the UK’s first burrito bar, said: “It’s great to be opening at intu Metrocentre and continues our expansion throughout the UK.

“intu Metrocentre is one of the top shopping centres in the country with great footfall figures. We’re looking forward to serving freshly made burritos, tacos and sides for the first time to customers in the North East.”

In addition to Thaikhun and Barburrito, the new line-up will include Coast to Coast, TGI Fridays, Chiquito, Five Guys, Ask, Bella Italia and Subway. Qube is open throughout the day, and late into the evening, with something for all ages and to suit all tastes and budgets.

Kate Grant, regional director of intu, added: “intu Metrocentre is ranked as one of the top five shopping centres in the UK. We’ve achieved this position by focusing on the needs of our customers and bringing them compelling experiences.

“We know people visit shopping centres to eat, drink and socialise as well as to shop. Also, our research shows a strong dining offer encourages customers to stay longer and spend more. By creating a unique leisure offer, throughout the day and evening, intu Metrocentre will continue to attract new and repeat visitors.”

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