Flurry of restaurants including ASK Italian join Merry Hill

06 Dec 2023

Published in: Member News

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Flurry of restaurants including ASK Italian join Merry Hill

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Merry Hill has welcomed popular Italian restaurant, ASK Italian, and has announced a host of eateries set to join the centre as it continues to expand its vibrant food and drinks offering. Inspired by Italy, ASK Italian, which opened its doors on Wednesday, between Bon Pan Asian and the recently opened Wagamama, takes a bold and playful approach to modern interpretations of Italian cuisine. Its food always begins with an ingredient, a tradition, or a well-loved dish. On a mission to put local community at the heart of its dining experience, each ASK Italian serves its own local gin.

At Merry Hill, visitors can find Dr Eamers' London Dry Gin, distilled three miles away at the West Midlands Distillery. The new restaurant has space for approximately 140 diners and serves up a range of antipasti, stone-baked pizzas, and fresh pasta dishes, as well as a wealth of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.

Also joining Merry Hill’s thriving food and drink scene is gourmet burger restaurant, Big Smoke Burger & Wings, set to open its doors soon in Eat Central. Big Smoke’s food is made fresh daily using gourmet ingredients sourced from top quality, and when possible, local producers. Visitors will be able to try its range of signature, gourmet, and classic burgers, accompanied by sides such as hand-cut French fries, traditional poutine, and house-made sauces. Diners can also enjoy hand-spun milkshakes, and a selection of unique beverages. The two restaurants will be joined by buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant, Wingstop, in early 2024.

The flurry of new eatery announcements closely follows the recent opening of Sides, the iconic fried chicken restaurant backed by YouTube sensations The Sidemen, at the centre.

Corinne Prior, Marketing Director at ASK Italian, said: “This year we're celebrating 30 years of ASK Italian and of bringing the best of Italy to our customers, we're so excited to be joining the thriving Merry Hill community and to make connections with local suppliers & businesses.

“Our new Merry Hill site perfectly adds to our family of restaurants and will be a place where everyone's welcome to enjoy great Italian meals.”

Jonathan Poole, Centre Manager at Merry Hill, added: "It's an exciting time at Merry Hill with Christmas fast approaching and people spending more time at the centre to tick off shopping lists and spend time with family and friends. We're continuing to evolve the centre, offering unrivalled convenience and experiences for visitors that go well beyond shopping.

"This week's opening of ASK Italian and Big Smoke Burger coming soon will add even more variety to the dining options at Merry Hill. And we look forward to welcoming Wingstop in the new year to add even more to the range of choice at both Eat Central and our growing leisure mall.”