Lend Lease Retail Partnership (LLRP), a fund managed by Lendlease, has today announced that two independent restaurants, Asha’s and Jamaya, are to open in Touchwood – one of the most popular retail destinations in the West Midlands. The two new concept restaurants will enhance the dining offer in the Upper Jubilee space and both are due to open in Spring.

Multi award-winning International Indian dining brand Asha’s, has signed for a 3,710 sq ft unit catering to 125 covers. The new contemporary restaurant at Touchwood will be the third UK location, following existing sites in Birmingham and Manchester.

Joining Asha’s is an authentic Jamaican jerk and fried chicken restaurant, Jamaya, who are launching their debut restaurant at the shopping centre. The 1,779 sq ft unit, will have space for 80 covers, serving a menu of traditional Jamaican charcoal-grilled jerk chicken, fried chicken, burgers, popular Irie sides and craft beers

Designed by an in-house team, Jamaya will feature graffiti, coloured wood and metal - a unique mix of Jamaican-inspired elements creating a modern urban atmosphere.

Guy Thomas, Head of Retail at Lendlease, said: “Asha’s and Jamaya will further enhance the leading dining line-up at Touchwood. To sign one new concept and one established brand, emphasises the importance of a varied leisure offer for our visitors. Despite troubles in sections of the national market these transactions show the strength of regional operators who continue to trade strongly and will enhance and diversify our line up at Touchwood.”

Byron Carnegie of Jamaya said:“Touchwood is the ideal location for our debut restaurant and we are very excited to launch our brand in one of the region’s leading retail destinations. The whole team behind Jamaya has worked passionately to get the concept off the ground and we are excited that Solihull will be home to our first bricks and mortar site.”

Pawan Kenth, Manager Director at Asha’s said: “We have been waiting for the right opportunity to bring our international and award-winning brand to Touchwood. Alongside a number of fresh new twists, our guests can look forward to the Asha’s hallmark of outstanding food, cocktails and service that has served the people of Birmingham, travelling guests and a wealth of famous faces for many years. We cannot wait to bring a slice of that to Solihull.”

This news follows the recent SolihullFood Festival that took place last month, in conjunction with Solihull BID and Waitrose. Touchwood hosted a series of events including free wine tastings and book signings with celebrity chefs Jean-Christophe Novelli and Chris Bavin.

BNP Paribas represented Touchwood. Jamaya and Asha’s both dealt direct.

Media enquiries:

For further information, please contact: Nick Thornton via nickthornton@aver.uk.com / 020 3514 2148

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Editors’ notes

Touchwood is a 650,000 square foot shopping and entertainment destination nestled in the heart of Solihull, West Midlands, comprising over 100 stores and restaurants as well as a nine‐screen cinema. Its flagship store is John Lewis, and other retailers include Zara, Apple, Tesla, Office, Hotel Chocolat, Joules, Hollister and Superdry.

Restaurant double for Touchwood

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