Highcross Leicester is soon set to welcome two major new food brands to the centre, both marking their much-anticipated city centre debuts.
Wingstop UKI and Umami World Kitchen will add to Highcross’ existing dining offer, joining popular names such as Wagamama, Tamatanga and the recently re-opened Bill’s.
Fan-favourite, Wingstop UKI, is set to open its very first Leicester restaurant after the brand’s CEO, Chris Sherriff, suggested that Leicester had been its “most requested city for the past five years.”
Anticipated to open ahead of Christmas, where it will be located in St. Peter’s Square, near Showcase Cinema, Wingstop UKI is part of a 76-strong network of sites across the UK. Over the years, the brand has built a loyal following; thanks to its bold flavours, signature wings, tenders and burgers, as well as milkshakes and churros.
Speaking about its Leicester debut, Chris Sherriff, CEO at Wingstop UKI, said: “We’re beyond excited to be opening our first restaurant in Highcross. Surrounded by some fantastic restaurants and retailers, Highcross is the perfect spot for us to finally bring our signature wings and bold flavours to our already loyal Leicester fans. The response on social media has already been incredible – people here clearly love their flavour!”
Joining Wingstop UKI in St. Peter’s Square is Umami; part of the well-known Cosmo Restaurants brand. The fresh and expansive all-you-can-eat dining experience will offer diners the chance to taste international cuisines including Chinese, Indian and Italian, among others, all under one roof.
Opening next to Zizzi in the New Year, just in time for Chinese New Year, diners will enjoy a global buffet offering, making Umami the first of its kind in Leicester and a tempting addition to the city’s already vibrant, multicultural food scene.
Welcoming the incoming brands, Michelle Menezes, centre director at Highcross Leicester, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming two hugely popular and diverse food brands to Highcross, each bringing its own flavour and style to the table. Wingstop UKI has been one of our most requested additions for a number of years, so we’re excited to have been able to make it a reality. Its arrival is a real testament to what we’re trying to build here; a place where much-loved brands want to be seen, and visitors want to explore.
“With Umami joining too, also a first for Leicester, we’re reflecting the UK’s growing appetite for international cuisines with a modern twist. The city’s dining scene is already vibrant and full of energy, and these new additions will give our visitors even more fresh and exciting options to enjoy.”
The two new brands follow several recent additions to Highcross’ retail, leisure and food and beverage mix this year alone, including Space NK, Rituals, Bill’s and Maki & Ramen, which have sought to re-energise both the centre, and St. Peter’s Square.
Menezes said:“These openings are breathing new life into one of our most social areas; creating a hub for visitors to meet, dine and unwind. It’s all part of our commitment to making Highcross a destination where food, shopping and leisure come together. We’re just getting started though, so keep your eyes peeled for more additions in the coming months.”
