After a strong year for Bluewater’s dining brands, with catering sales up 8% YTD, Land Securities has announced that Earl of Sandwich is to make its UK debut at Bluewater, Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination.
Owned by Earl Enterprises, the Earl of Sandwich (outlet pictured above) is to open a 551 sq ft site in Bluewater’s Winter Garden, its first in the country. Building on the brand’s strong reputation and popularity in the USA, where it has 27 outlets, the menu will feature made to order signature hot sandwiches, as well as a range of hand tossed salads and wraps, pastas, Earl’s pizzas, soups, fresh fruit smoothies, triple chocolate brownies and coffee by Nespresso.
Joining Earl of Sandwich in the Winter Garden is Shawa, sister brand to Comptoir Libanais, the Lebanese-inspired canteen-style restaurant founded by Tony Kitous. The 472 sq ft Shawa will offer healthy high quality Lebanese street food, and Bluewater is the brand’s first location outside central London.
Completing the trio is a champagne bar in Bluewater’s Village, called Oh You Pretty Things, complete with a classic Citroen H Van that has been converted to serve as the bar itself and dedicated seating. All three will launch before Christmas.
In addition to the three new brands, Lola’s Cupcakes, is relocating to a 284 sq ft unit on Bluewater’s lower Thames Walk. Lola’s will open in January.
Commenting on the news, Russell Loveland, Portfolio Director at Land Securities, co-owner and asset manager of Bluewater, said: “Earl of Sandwich is another great addition to Bluewater’s line-up of leading UK and international brands. Their unique combination of heritage and high quality grab-and-go food adds something new to Bluewater, providing guests with even greater choice.
“Shawa is an equally exciting arrival, and is opening because its sister brand, Comptoir Libanais, has traded consistently well. Both have made their debuts outside London at Bluewater, reinforcing our position as the first choice location for expanding brands.”
Shelley Sandzer acted for Bluewater. CBRE represented Earl of Sandwich.