Twenty jobs to be created as two new restaurants open in Leeds's Merrion Centre

Chinese food retailer, Hang Sing Hong has chosen the centre as to launch its first new concept multi-Asian restaurants – Oba Kitchen and Mi’s Noodles.

The two restaurants combined are taking more than 4,000 sq ft of unit space at the centre with Oba Kitchen situated at Wade Lane and Mi’s Noodles on 21 Merrion Way and they aim to open in October.

This is the food retailer’s first move into the restaurant sector with the launch of Oba Kitchen, a Korean cuisine concept alongside Japanese fusion in contemporary surroundings, whilst Mi’s Noodles will offer more traditional noodles and Chinese snacks.

The two restaurants combined will accommodate between 90-100 diners.

The choice of location by the owners is in recognition of the exciting, expanding development of the Arena Quarter district and the Merrion Centre’s growing reputation as a foodie destination. The Arena Quarter is now home to a range of stand out restaurants and bars, alongside a growing population of international students, making the Merrion Centre the ideal setting.

John Jiang, Director, Hang Sing Hong said: “We are thrilled to be launching our two new restaurant concepts as the appeal and demand for fresh multi-Asian food continues to rise.

"We chose the Merrion Centre because it sits in a prime location near the University, city centre offices, and the First Direct Arena and we are specifically excited by the influx of student accommodation being built within the immediate vicinity. We can’t wait to launch to further support the multi Asian culture in Leeds’ Arena Quarter”.

Helen Green, Property Director for Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, said: “In these challenging times it is important that we can accommodate some of the top and newest restaurants here at Merrion. Hang Sing Hong already has a strong reputation for selling tasty and authentic food.

"We are thrilled they have chosen Merrion for the opening of these two stylish restaurants and are confident they will add to our ever-growing mix of international food offerings.

"The increasing amount of residential accommodation in the surrounding area, together with the office and shopping customers, means these new ventures are sure to prove a popular addition to Merrion. They will continue to cement the Arena Quarter’s position and success as a key leisure and food destination in the heart of Leeds.”