Japan Centre to expand flagship London site

Japanese food hall, Japan Centre, has announced plans for a 7,000 sq ft expansion to its flagship London site in mid-March.

Founded in 1976, the food hall located on Panton Street currently offers a range of over 3,000 products spanning food, drink, and lifestyle.

The group will extend its ground floor offerings by taking over the Busaba Leicester Square site, using the space to provide Japanese groceries, store cupboard essentials, fresh sushi, and snacks.

Included in the expansion to the food hall will be a central courtyard eating area, open kitchens, and a “beautiful Japanese entrance experience”.

A further addition to the site is set to commence towards the end of 2021 alongside phase two of construction.

This will include a “casual dining concept” created by the combined teams at Japan Centre and Shoryu, a hakata tonkotsu ramen specialist restaurant.

The establishment, due to open on the food hall’s 45th anniversary, will reportedly be “perfect for quick bites, or longer lunches and dinner”.