Three quarters of food and drink outlets in Merrion Centre Leeds are now back in business

After a shutdown of more than three months, the food quarter is welcoming hungry shoppers again as businesses start to reopen their doors following the coronavirus lockdown.

Popular venues including Korean barbecue Bulgogi Grill, sushi and Asian grill operator Blue Sakura, Ethiopian coffee specialist Konga Coffee and the Japanese Fuji Hiro joined award winning Thai street food restaurant My Thai and flagship Indian restaurant, Bengal Brasserie in opening on the first day that they were allowed on July 4.

Since then, new occupier Frankster’s, opened on Merrion Street and both grab and go Greggs stores are now open as well.

All operators given the Government green light to reopen have taken the necessary steps to provide a virus free environment to welcome back customers and shoppers.

Bulgogi Grill has installed toughened glass between dining booths to ensure its diners feel safe and has an app for ordering and payments.

The Merrion Centre itself has stayed open for shopping during lockdown, with essential stores including Morrisons, Iceland, Superdrug and Holland & Barrett successfully continuing to trade throughout.

Many of the estate’s independent operators including popular fish and chip venue Hook & Line, the unique Chilli Shop and Bubble Tea Café, were also quick to adapt their businesses in offering innovative takeaway and delivery schemes, as well as supporting key workers and vulnerable across the city.

Helen Green, Property Director at Town Centre Securities, said: “We have always had a fantastic and innovative independent food and beverage sector at Leeds Merrion Centre. Throughout the lockdown they have been brilliant at adapting their offers, undertaking deliveries, serving local visitors and key workers and we are delighted that they can now resume inviting guests and customers into a safe environment.

"I would like to pay tribute to their impressive hard work and would urge customers from near and far to come and try some of the best food in Leeds”.

Welcome back to Leeds is an info hub designed to help guide you safely back to the city centre in the months ahead. welcometoleeds.co.uk #backtoleeds