Japan Centre upgrades space at Soho’s Panton Street

02 March 2021

Savills, on behalf of Motcomb Estates, has let further space to the UK’s premier Japanese food hall operator, Japan Centre, at 35a Panton Street in London’s West End.

The retailer already trades from the basement floor of the building and, following a strong performance outside of national lockdowns, has now agreed a deal to acquire an additional 5,000 sq ft at ground floor level on a 15 year lease, taking the total space of the store and food hall to 10,000 sq ft. The store was previously occupied by Thai restaurant chain, Busaba.

Japan Centre’s new flagship store will now combine the traditional elements of a ‘depachika’ (the Japanese word for a basement food hall) with a freer flowing shopping experience and new restaurant offering on the ground floor.

Oliver Green, Director, Central London Retail at Savills, comments: “The past 12 months have understandably been exceptionally challenging for the retail and leisure market, so the commitment from Japan Centre to increase the size of its Panton Street store is hugely positive for Soho and the wider West End. In spite of the pandemic, we expect to see foodhalls continue to grow in popularity and Japan Centre provides an exciting and differentiated offer right in the heart of central London.”