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
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Your support makes all the difference.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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