FOOD lovers will be able to see exactly how their food is made when popular Japanese food chain Wagamama opens its new restaurant in St Stephen’s Place Leisure Park on Monday.

It is the latest addition to the award-winning £17m complex, which also has an Odeon cinema, Nandos, Prezzo, Dean’s Diner, Chiquito, Frankie & Benny’s, Valeroso Lounge and Premier Inn.

The 90-seater restaurant is part of the chain’s UK-wide renewal plan and has created 40 new jobs in the area, with Trowbridge residents invited to enjoy a variety of new and classic dishes from the Japanese-inspired seasonal menu.

Classic dishes on the seasonal menu include Wagamama’s famed ramen – bowls of fragrant soup filled with noodles plus meat or vegetables – prawn firecrackers, tofu chilli salad and katsu curry.

General manager Ken Ohene-Adu, who has come from the Wagamama at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol to oversee the opening of the new chain, said: “This is my first opening and it’s been very exciting and an incredible experience.

“This is a big coup for Trowbridge and this new restaurant is a big part of Wagamama’s renewal plan. We will have 17 new dishes, as well as all the usual favourites, while there is also a new look.

“The new look has that entertainment factor, with the open kitchen at the front allowing diners to sit by the chef’s table and see their food being made while having a chat with the chef.

“We have also evolved our serving style and while many know Wagamama for being somewhere they can pop in for a quick bite on our benches, we also cater for those who want to spend longer in the restaurant.”

Wagamama is a Japanese-inspired chain that opened its first restaurant in London’s Bloomsbury in 1992 and now operates in 18 countries around the world.

Simon Cope, global branch director, added: “We are delighted to open the doors to our new restaurant in Trowbridge. This is the second we’ve had in the UK this week and it marks the beginning of Wagamama’s biggest renewal plan to-date.

“Wagamama continues to reinforce positive eating by using fresh ingredients, served in atmospheric surroundings. It’s an exciting time for us and we look forward to receiving feedback from our new and valued customers in Trowbridge.”

For more information on Wagamama’s menus, opening times and locations, visit www.wagamama.com