Thai restaurant to transform former Lloyds site as chain expands into Yorkshire

A familiar city centre landmark is to be transformed into a Thai restaurant following the dining chain's expansion into Yorkshire.
James Fox, director of retail at CBREJames Fox, director of retail at CBRE
James Fox, director of retail at CBRE

The ground floor of the former Lloyds Bank on Park Row in Leeds city centre has been snapped up by Busaba Eathai, which will open up its restaurant in early 2017.

The group, which has 14 restaurants across the UK and one in Dubai, was founded by Wagamama entrepreneur Alan Yau with the first branch opening in Soho in London in 1999.

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Busaba says it offers a modern Bangkok experience in a relaxed and informal setting.

Leeds-born chief executive Jason Myers joined the company in 2013 when the chain had just three outlets.

He is currently expanding the business in the North of England with recent openings in Manchester and Liverpool ONE. “I am delighted to be opening this Flagship Busaba in my home city of Leeds,” he said. “It’s wonderful to be in Yorkshire and working with CBRE on this exciting re-development of the former Lloyds Bank.”

The retail team at CBRE Leeds, acting on behalf of CBRE Global Investors, secured the letting to Busaba Eathai - a 15 year lease on the 6,000 sq ft unit.

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James Fox, director of retail at CBRE Leeds, said; “The former Lloyds unit on Park Row presented the ideal location for Busaba Eathai’s first restaurant in Yorkshire.

“Leeds has welcomed a large number of new restaurant operators since the opening of Trinity and it is fantastic to be introducing this award winning brand to Leeds.”

The banking giant closed its Park Row site in October 2015 and Savills Leeds was given planning permission by Leeds City Council to modernise the landmark building earlier this year.

It was purpose-built in the early 1970s and comprises a 10-storey office building, close to the new Trinity Leeds shopping centre and Leeds train station.

The comprehensive refurbishment will create almost 6,000 sq ft of additional floorspace and two new entrances.

The upper floors will be refurbished into new offices.