Itsu & Heavenly Desserts add national flavour to the mix at IQL

Renowned Asian grab-and-go specialist, itsu and luxury dessert dining brand, Heavenly Desserts, have signed leases for new restaurants at International Quarter London (IQL), the £2.4 billion joint venture development between Lendlease and LCR in Stratford. 

Itsu will open a 2,640 sq ft store offering fast and delicious Asian-inspired food, including sushi, salads and soups, further diversifying IQL’s increasingly varied food and beverage offering.  The latest restaurant is set to open at the start of 2020, and will add to their portfolio of over 70 stores across the UK. 

Heavenly Desserts are dedicated to crafting high-quality, eye-catching desserts, and following years of success at their cafés across England and Wales, have chosen IQL for their first eatery in London as they expand to the south. The unit chosen by Heavenly Desserts will offer guests an elegant and stylish dining experience. It is close to 1,500 sq ft and will have space for 70 covers, including outside patio seating.

These latest signings follow the openings of two additional independent food and drink operators in IQL: Signorelli, a family-run East London bakery; and Figo, a new venture from the team behind Bella Vita in Hackney’s Broadway Market. They join Tonkotsu who have been trading since summer 2018.

Yousif Aslam, Managing Director of Heavenly Desserts, said: “Lendlease and LCR’s vibrant and inclusive IQLdevelopment is one of London’s most exciting projects, and fits the criteria perfectly for our first foray into the capital. Starting as a Midlands-based operator, we expanded to the North of England and we are very keen for our luxurious dining experience to be part of this new focal point for the rapidly growing East London scene. Our delectable sweet treats are designed to be enjoyed with all the human senses; they will offer visitors to IQL a memorable experience.”

Guy Thomas, Head of Retail at Lendlease, commented: “We are committed to bringing a balance of local, London based and national brands to East London’s new dining, leisure, and social hub. Announcing Heavenly Desserts’ first café in London, as well as international Asian food brand itsu, alongside our more localised offer is great news for IQL. We want to provide a rich variety of food and beverage offerings for people from day to night, whether they live or work locally or are visiting this part of London for the first time.”

Adrian Lee, Development Director at LCR, said: “Welcoming Heavenly Desserts’ first venture in London, and securing itsu’s latest restaurant is another boost to IQL, bringing a unique dining experience to the heart of a thriving new neighbourhood. It’s the perfect addition to a growing food and drink offer which will be as diverse as the vibrant, urban and fast-growing community of east London.”

Nash Bond and CF Commercial represented IQL. CDG Leisure acted on behalf of Heavenly Desserts.

ENDS