Victoria Centre welcomes Japami’s UK debut, alongside Nottingham’s first Thai Express

Victoria Centre announces the addition of two new eateries: Japami and Thai Express. Both restaurants are new to Nottingham, with Japami choosing Victoria Centre for its UK debut – making this an especially significant milestone for the city’s culinary scene.

Opening today on Friday 23^rd August, these highly anticipated restaurants, will be located in prime position on the upper mall in Clocktower dining, offering shoppers a taste of authentic Asian cuisine.

These new additions will cater to the evolving demands of today’s consumers who are increasingly seeking healthier, fresher alternatives to traditional grab and go meals. Thai Express and Japami are set to disrupt this trend by offering alternative offerings. Both brands being side by side are creating a small food court atmosphere within the mall, allowing groups to choose from either cuisine.

Thai Express, the global leader in fast-casual Thai dining, will serve up its renowned dishes including pad thai and green curry, made fresh with the brand’s commitment to quality and flavour. Known for bringing an exotic twist to everyday meals, Thai Express allows diners to personalise their dishes with their preferred spice level and protein, all made in a purpose-built open plan kitchen where expert wok chefs prepare each order with precision.

Japami, debuting its first ever UK branch at Victoria Centre, introduces a modern twist on Japanese cuisine. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of delicious options, including the much-anticipated signature dish, SUSHI TACOS – an extraordinary fusion dish that’s taking the food scene by storm. This unique offering takes the traditional taco concept and elevates it with fresh, premium sushi ingredients, creating a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

Japami’s approach to Japanese food is designed to be as fresh and fast as it is delicious, making it perfect for busy shoppers and professionals looking for a quick but high-quality meal on the go.

The 1,800 sq ft space shared by Thai Express and Japami features modern, Instagram-friendly aesthetics, with distinct zones that allow for a seamless transition between the two brands. This design reflects Victoria Centre’s commitment to creating engaging and visually appealing spaces that enhance the customer experience and support tenant success.

Uzma Ullah Pattani, Operations Director of SUPR Group said: “We identified Victoria Centre as a key location to introduce Japami and expand Thai Express’s footprint in the UK. The Centre’s dynamic environment and broad customer base provide the perfect conditions for these brands to thrive. With fresh ingredients and fast preparation, we are confident that our offerings will resonate well with both the local community and the wider East Midlands region.”

With over 200 locations worldwide, Thai Express’s entry into Nottingham is its 8^th UK location, further solidifying its presence in the UK. Meanwhile this opening marks Japami’s first ever UK location, serving as a blueprint for its planned expansion across the country in early 2025. Victoria Centre was selected as the ideal location for these brands due to its vibrant food scene and significant footfall, driven by a large student population and a diverse demographic. The Centre’s strategic positioning in the heart of Nottingham makes it a prime location for brands looking to establish or expand their presence in the UK market.

Nigel Wheatley, Centre Director at Victoria Centre added: “The addition of Thai Express and Japami aligns with our strategic goals of enhancing our F&B portfolio and attracting high-quality, innovative brands to Victoria Centre. These new tenants will diversify our dining options and we anticipate strong performance from both brands and are looking forward to supporting their growth within our centre.”