Wagamama to reopen 24 UK branches for delivery today

The pan-Asian restaurant has released a full list of the restaurants that will reopen for delivery or takeaway

Sophie Gallagher
Thursday 21 May 2020 08:43 BST
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Wagamama will begin the first stage of its reopening plan on Thursday, opening 24 restaurants for delivery and take-out.

The restaurant says it hopes to have a total of 67 stores open by the end of June.

Like all restaurants, the high street chain, famous for its Katsu curry, was forced to close its doors when the UK-wide lockdown was introduced on 23 March.

On 21 May there will be 24 initial sites opening, followed by a further 20 a week later on 28 May. The plan is that, if all goes well, 67 sites will be operational by the end of next month.

This represents approximately half of the chain’s UK restaurants.

During the first week of opening the sites will operate Thursday to Sunday, extending to Wednesday to Sunday the following week.

The scheduled hours of opening will only be for dinner service between 4pm and 9.30pm as the chain establishes new Covid-19 secure working practices.

The first wagamama delivery kitchen sites to reopen were in Peckham, Hackney, Bow and Leeds.

Emma Woods, Wagamama CEO said: “Over the past couple of months our focus has been on creating a safe working environment for our team members and our two-week trial has enabled our teams to return to work safely.

“The next logical step for us is to open additional sites throughout the UK, this will still very much form a ‘test and learn’ approach for the business. The response of our return has been extremely positive and we look forward to our guests being able to get their wagamama fix."

In accordance with strict government guidelines, Wagamama has put together a comprehensive policy to ensure the safety of all.

Dr Kate Bunyan, who has helped Wagamama formulate a safe working plan, explained: “These [new protocol] now include the mandatory use of health questionnaires before every shift, no contact with delivery riders and increased frequency of hygiene regimes.”

During lockdown Wagamama has kept fans happy by sharing secret recipes for its katsu curry and other dishes.

The restaurant also launched virtual cooking classes, titled 'Wok from home', with executive chef, Steve Mangleshot, who has worked at Wagamama for more than 20 years.

Recipes featured on the show include Yaki Soba, Cha Han, and Wok Fried Greens.

Branches already open:

Peckham

Hackney

Bow

Kensington

Leeds

To open on 21 May:

Camden

Great Marlborough Street

Hampstead

Hammersmith

Great North Finchley

Cambridge

Manchester Spinningfields

Liverpool

Didsbury

Nottingham

Reigate

St Albans

Newcastle

Sheffield City Centre

Fulham Broadway

Wimbledon

Putney

Ealing

Wandsworth

Kingston

Richmond

Victoria

Borough Market

Croydon

To open on 28 May:

Enfield

Norwich

Bristol Clifton

Cardiff Library

Bristol Cabot Circus

Cheltenham

Guilford

Basingstoke

Birmingham New Street

Coventry

Brighton

Reading

Watford

Uxbridge

Oxford

Exeter

Bath

Bournemouth

York (city centre)

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