Trafford Centre launches revamped Eastern Garden championing homegrown brands

Manchester’s Trafford Centre has long been known as the place where shopping, leisure, and dining come together to create unforgettable experiences.

Now, with the grand unveiling of its newly refurbished Eastern Garden in the Upper Orient, they are taking things to the next level by dedicating an entire dining space to homegrown restaurant brands.

For the first time, independent eateries from across Greater Manchester are taking centre stage, offering visitors a taste of the city’s exciting and diverse food culture. With a visually stunning atmosphere featuring a canopy of cherry blossom flowers, Eastern Garden is set to be the perfect spot for food lovers seeking some great scran at the Trafford Centre.

Eastern Garden at Trafford Centre

Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, expressed his excitement for this milestone: “We’re thrilled to officially welcome these homegrown restaurant brands to the centre, who represent the best of the best in the dynamic culinary scene of Greater Manchester.

“We know that our guests love combining a day of shopping, leisure, and dining at the centre, so we’re confident that our new Eastern Garden dining destination will prove popular for visitors looking for an exciting and vibrant dining experience.”

At the heart of Eastern Garden are four independent brands, each with its own unique story and deep roots in Manchester’s food scene.

Nichi | A Japanese-Peruvian Fusion Experience 

Bringing an innovative twist to Japanese dining, Nichi offers a contemporary experience with Peruvian influences. The restaurant, which opened its flagship 3,000 sq ft location at the centre in late 2024, provides an immersive dining experience featuring sushi, live robata cooking, and tableside flambé. A mezzanine level offers private omakase dining, while a late licence ensures the atmosphere stays lively with DJ performances on weekends.

Led by a team of seasoned professionals, including Head Chef Kentaro Yanagisawa, who has worked at globally renowned restaurants Sexyfish and Nobu, Nichi promises to be a must-visit for those looking to indulge in something special.

Hello Oriental | Bringing the Street-Food Experience Indoors

Founded by Ricky Yip and Azim Koura, Hello Oriental made a name for itself as a beloved street-food hall off Oxford Road, capturing the hearts of food lovers with its diverse range of East Asian delicacies. Now, with its arrival at Trafford Centre, the brand is bringing over 100 dishes to the new Eastern Garden, from dim sum to Cantonese roast meats and noodles. With a full kids’ menu available, families can also enjoy a delicious and accessible dining experience.

Chit ‘n’ Chaat | Indian street food with Heart

Since 2020, Chit ‘n’ Chaat has been serving up the vibrant flavors of Indian street food, blending authentic recipes with Indo-Chinese influences. Occupying a 2,000 sq ft space, this marks the brand’s fifth location in the Greater Manchester region. More than just a place to eat, Chit ‘n’ Chaat is committed to creating lasting memories through exceptional food, ensuring that every bite is an experience worth savoring.

Blanchflower Coffee and Bakery | handcrafted perfection

Founded by Phil and Claire Howells, Blanchflower is renowned for its handmade bread, cakes, and pastries, all produced in its bakery in Sale. As it prepares to open in Eastern Garden in the coming weeks, visitors can look forward to a delectable selection of freshly baked treats, from cruffins and Bakewell tarts to focaccias and homemade granola. Every item is crafted by a small team of dedicated bakers and pastry chefs using locally sourced ingredients.

Celebrating Manchester’s independent restaurants

The Trafford Centre’s commitment to spotlighting local talent is a testament to Manchester’s ever-evolving culinary scene. By providing a dedicated space for independent brands, Trafford centre is not only celebrating the city’s diverse food culture but also ensuring that these businesses have the platform they deserve to thrive.

For visitors, Eastern Garden isn’t just another dining destination—it’s a chance to experience the passion, creativity, and craftsmanship of Greater Manchester’s best homegrown eateries, all under one beautifully curated space. Whether you’re craving sushi, dim sum, Indian street food, or a fresh-baked pastry, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

So, next time you find yourself at Trafford Centre, take detour to Eastern Garden and experience the best of Manchester’s food scene—one delicious bite at a time.

What’s on at Trafford Centre

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