Festival Place in Basingstoke has announced a food and drink development as family-run cafe operator Boswells and leading dessert retailer Heavenly Desserts commit to launch it in the center later this year. In addition to the two new signings, Sovereign Centros from CBRE, the asset manager of Festival Place, has secured an investment from pan-Asian restaurant chain wagamama, which is significantly expanding its footprint in the center.
Opened in Bedford Square, Boswells is a family-run coffee business established in 1972, operating successfully throughout the South, South West and Wales. Boswells offers an extensive and varied menu of delicious, freshly prepared, made-to-order dishes from its 4,766 square meter premises. From all-day breakfast to salads, toast, jacket potatoes for lunch and afternoon tea or just a quick snack. The cafe will be decorated in a warm, welcoming and cozy style that focuses on excellent customer service. Boswells is the ideal place to relax, unwind, refresh and refresh in the heart of Festival Place.
Boswells joins Festival Place favourite, wagamama, which has committed to increasing the size of its existing unit to take a total of around 3,900 sq ft of space and create space for an additional 46 diners. Wagamama’s iconic pan-Asian inspired menu has now been a fan favorite at Festival Place for over 10 years, including katsu curries, ramen bowls and noodle dishes. The commitment of the beloved restaurant chain reinforces Festival Place’s appeal as a destination where long-standing brands continue to build on their strong existing base and loyal customer base.
Heavenly Desserts will also join the center for the first time, introducing handmade desserts to Basingstoke for the first time. Located across from Five Guys, the 1,300-square-foot space offers a selection of cakes, tarts, cheesecakes, pancakes and waffles, as well as a variety of beverages including shakes, smoothies and lemonades.
Poppy Radford, Sovereign Centros Asset Manager at CBRE, commented: “At Festival Place, we are committed to not only adding new brands to diversify our offering, but also supporting our existing tenants and creating space for them to invest and grow. This latest trio is testament to this ongoing commitment: Boswell’s and Heavenly Desserts will add two new hospitality options and the future expansion of Wagamama will further strengthen the center’s restaurant offering.
Sita Wood, regional marketing manager for wagamama, commented: “We are so excited to expand our Festival Place Wagamama restaurant. The additional covers will help us meet local demand and serve our iconic bowls to even more valued locals. We can’t wait to welcome our guests and celebrate our brand new look. “
Nick Burn, Managing Director of Boswells, commented: “With over 18 cafes across the south of the UK, we’ve been wanting to come to Basingstoke for a long time. As the heart of the city’s retail and leisure offering, Festival Place is an ideal home and we look forward to introducing our family-run concept to a whole new audience.
News of a trio of F&B offerings at Festival Place follows the recent opening of Slim Chickens. The American fried chicken restaurant chain has opened in a 3,503 square meter unit opposite the Festival Square entrance, offering fresh, hand-baked buttermilk marinated chicken.
Festival Place is represented by Lunson Mitchenall and GCW.
