Metrocentre’s Qube fully let as Maki & Ramen sign on

The Japanese restaurant is taking 7,000 sq ft at the retail destination’s 80,000 sq ft hospitality hub.

Located on Upper Yellow Mall, it will join tenants such as Tomahawk Steakhouse, Nando’s, Wingstop, and Pizza Express.

F&B sales are up 10.3% for Metrocentre compared to last year, which the Gateshead landmark has put down to its focus on experience-led concepts boosting footfall.

This includes Activate, which has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors since opening in July, and the upcoming Peppa Pig: Surprise Party event.

Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset managers of Metrocentre, said: “The addition of Maki & Ramen further elevates Yellow Mall, underlining the growing demand for quality, Asian-inspired cuisine in the North East.

“Our ability to bring this restaurant concept to Metrocentre is a sign of the destination’s regional dominance and catchment strength, and our commitment to providing guests with a well-rounded, unique experience.”

Michael Anthony Salvador, chief operating officer at Maki & Ramen, added: “To be alongside some of the best brands in the UK and to be in one of the most prestigious shopping malls in the UK is an honour.

“We’re proud to have our charity partner NIDAS: Changing Lives, alongside us to open our second site in the North East. We cannot wait to give our Maki Fam the biggest site to date, with just under 200 covers and the same quality that our ramen lovers across the UK have come to expect.”