Jump directly to the content

WAGAMAMA is set to reopen with a new look - and a reduced menu.

The Japanese-inspired chain has installed new sliding screens on tables to help protect customers.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

Wagamama is introducing new sliding screens between guests in its restaurants
5
Wagamama is introducing new sliding screens between guests in its restaurants

Wagamama ramen and salads are among 10 items temporarily axed from its menu.

It still has disposable place mats which have been updated to include the reduced menu options.

Customers won't be able to pay by cash, and instead have to use a pay on phone service via Wagamama's website.

Once you've finished your meal, you simply pay for it by using your table number.

Wagamama is preparing to welcome fans inside its restaurants since lockdown
5
Wagamama is preparing to welcome fans inside its restaurants since lockdownCredit: Reuters

What menu items has Wagamama removed?

WAGAMAMA has removed a range of items from its dine-in menu.

Mains

  • Nikko curry
  • Steak bulgogi
  • Teriyaki lamb
  • Wagamama ramen
  • All salads

Sides

  • Tori kara age
  • Duck wraps
  • Raw salad

Desserts

  • Mango + matcha layer cake

If you don't have a smartphone, you'll be able to pay by card, Wagamama told The Sun.

Wagamama's will reopen one restaurant for dine-in on Saturday, July 4, with three more to follow on Monday, July 6 - we've listed them below.

If the reopenings are successful, the restaurant chain plans to have 18 restaurants open by the end of July.

The restaurant chain then hopes to have reopened all 152 branches by early September.

Customers will be guided by floor markings outside its restaurants
5
Customers will be guided by floor markings outside its restaurants
The chain will also provide hand sanitizer stations for customers
5
The chain will also provide hand sanitizer stations for customers
You won't be able to pay by cash, and instead have to use a pay on phone service using a smartphone
5
You won't be able to pay by cash, and instead have to use a pay on phone service using a smartphone

Wagamama closed all restaurants on March 23, although it was allowed to stay open for takeaway and delivery.

At the end of April, it then reopened four kitchens for delivery only.

A month later, it said it planned on having 67 restaurants open for delivery and takeaway by the end of June.

Which Wagamama restaurants are opening for dine-in?

WAGAMAMA'S is reopening its restaurants for dine-in in stages.

Opening July 4

  • Royal Festival Hall

Opening July 6

  • Manchester Trafford Centre
  • Stevenage
  • Swindon

Opening July 20

  • Bluewater
  • Cheshire Oaks
  • Exeter
  • GMS
  • Westfield Stratford

Opening July 27

  • Bolton
  • Bridgend
  • Camden
  • Chelmsford
  • Didsbury
  • Kensington
  • Lincoln
  • Metrocentre
  • Wimbledon

Chief executive Emma Woods said: "The main question we have been working on as a team is how can our guests feel safe but still have a communal wagamama experience, sitting on our benches.

"The team have applied our philosophy of kaizen - good change - to this challenge and I am delighted we have found a design solution which provides social distancing for our guests in a way which is true to the design ethos of the brand.

“We are looking forward to getting our guests back in and obtaining their feedback in the first 18 sites.

"If these tests go well, we will reopen the remainder of our restaurants throughout August and September."

If you don't live near one of the newly reopened branches, Wagamama has launched a series of online cooking classes so you can make katsu curry from home.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

The announcement comes as McDonald's reopened 260 branches for walk-in takeaway last week.

The fast food chain is also adding six items back on to its menu next week – and 1,000 restaurants will serve breakfast.

Wagamamas releases the exact recipe for its chicken katsu curry and you’ll be amazed by how simple it is
Topics