Bowls of Soul Rolling into Town?
Wagamama, the international Japanese canteen, has made planning applications on the site of the Edward Dean kitchen & bathroom showroom.
Will the chain “inspired by fast-paced, japanese ramen bars and a celebration of asian food…set out to create a unique way of eating. bringing the fresh, nourishing, flavours of asia to all”, be a good fit for Reigate?
Earlier in the year Reigate greeted Bill’s to Bell Street. There were murmurs that maybe it was one large restaurant too many and could it sustain itself in such a small market town? This appears to be unfounded and Bill’s seems to be a very happy new incumbent on the restaurant scene in Reigate. Will another venue though, with a proposal of 142 covers, be too much or will it’s addition bring more people into the centre of Reigate?
So, what will Wagamama bring to the town should their applications be successful? The restaurant appears to have a number of local fans judging by the excitement it generated each time it was mooted it ‘may’ be coming to town. For those ramen and katsu lovers, their dream appears to be coming true. Such a restaurant with it’s canteen style is also very popular with young adults, places of which for them to frequent is pretty limited in Reigate.
There is already an establishment in town with Japanese and Korean favourites on the menu. I am not sure how popular Miso is with local foodie and restaurant goers but being only a year old this weekend, they may feel this proposed new opening a little. Though by the looks of their new twitter account @MISObar_Lounge, they seem to have morphed into a bar & lounge “Dance floor is available between 10pm to 12am at Miso Restaurant”
Being pretty much adjacent to the Everyman cinema must have been a bit of a draw for Wagamama given the opportunity to tempt people for a quick bite before luxuriating in the comfy sofas with a glass of wine or a beer.
You’ve got to admit it Reigate’s position on the cool-o-meter is slowly climbing. People from outside of town come and visit due to Reigate’s unique independent shops, cool events and great restaurants. Granted I would rather have seen an independent showing an interest in such a prime spot, however, we should support those who come in and invest in the town.
Should you wish to support or object to the change of use application and look at the full plans, you can view them and comment here
