Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has announced a series of new signings across its London centres, showcasing significant growth in the food and beverage (F&B) sector alongside expansions in fashion, footwear, accessories, health, beauty, and home and interiors.
This wave of openings highlights the increasing consumer demand for diverse dining options, innovative retail experiences and premium lifestyle brands.
Food & Beverage Expansion
Both Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City are experiencing robust growth in their F&B offerings, driven by increasing consumer appetite for varied dining experiences.
Westfield Stratford City has welcomed several exciting new additions; Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, renowned for its New York-style gourmet burgers, will open its first UK store later this year. Mowgli Street Food and Aija are also joining the line-up, offering a mix of vibrant and authentic cuisine. Recent openings include Fuwa Fuwa, famous for its fluffy Japanese pancakes; Master Bao, known for its bao buns and Asian delicacies; and Shoryu, a top ramen spot.
Westfield London has recently seen the opening of Gopal’s Corner in the Food Court, specialising in authentic Malaysian Tamil cuisine. Additionally, Kanada-Ya, a popular ramen restaurant offering an authentic Japanese dining experience has opened, enhancing the selection of restaurants on the Southern Terrace.
Kate Orwin, Leasing Director UK at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “We’ve had a strong half-year in retail leasing across both of our London centres, significantly driven by the food and beverage sector. The addition of these reputable brands to our portfolio has significantly contributed to this growth, as major brands recognise the value of our prime locations and invest in providing unique and engaging dining experiences.”
Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO at UKHospitality, added: “It’s encouraging to see such dynamic and innovative hospitality brands investing in new physical spaces in London, especially with several first-to-the-UK concepts choosing to debut at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City. Despite the challenges the hospitality sector has faced, history demonstrates its potential to drive economic recovery, as consumers continue to seek out opportunities to dine and socialise together.”
Fashion, Footwear and Accessories
Westfield’s two London centres are also expanding their fashion, footwear, and accessories offerings, with Westfield Stratford City welcoming several new brands and upsizes. Victoria’s Secret and Next are set to reopen with new stores in the centre this autumn. Additionally, renowned sleepwear designer Peter Alexander has signed leases for both Westfield locations, marking the brand’s UK debut. The first store will open at Westfield London, followed by a second at Westfield Stratford City. Meanwhile, Khaadi, known for blending Eastern and Western fashion is relocating and expanding its store from 1,656 sq. ft to 6,167 sq. ft, and The White Company has relocated and expanded its store in the scheme. Other recent openings at the centre include Sunglass Hut, Baggage World and Ray-Ban.
At Westfield London, Pop Mart is open, and Kenji will soon be joining.
In the jewellery and watches sector, Westfield London has also recently welcomed Warren James, the UK’s largest independently owned jewellery chain, and will soon see OMEGA make a return with a new store opening in The Village.
Health and beauty offerings are expanding at Westfield Stratford City, with Revitalise and Charlotte Tilbury opening new locations, and Aesop joining in October. Westfield London continues to enhance its home category, with King Living set to open in autumn.
