Singapore's Old Chang Kee chain to open in London
The brand, which ran a sold-out pop-up in Kentish Town in 2017, has secured a 300 sq ft space in Covent Garden.
It will mark the European debut for the group, which was founded in 1956 and has since grown to 78 sites in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.
The new site will feature interiors inspired by a typical Singaporean kopitiam - a traditional coffee shop - with displays of paraphernalia explaining the heritage of the brand’s food.
The quick-service menu will focus on the famous curry puffs - a twist on the British pasty invented during Singapore’s colonial era - as well as other curries; laksa; nasi lemak; and “finger food”.
“Our curry puffs have a rich heritage as early ‘fusion food’, and we are thrilled to bring them back to Britain along with the very best of our snacks and meals,” says Sandra Leong, director of Old Chang Kee UK.
“Last year, we hosted a weekend pop-up in Kentish Town to whet Londoner’s appetites and we sold out in four hours each day. It was such an exciting introduction to one of Europe’s most popular cities, and we knew we had to find the perfect location for a permanent restaurant.”
Property agents Shelley Sandzer acted for Old Change Kee to secure the site.
“The famous brand also brings with it a strong reputation in Southeast Asia, providing them with a ready base of loyal expats, students and tourists,” says Tony Levine, leasing agent at Shelley Sandzer.
Old Change Kee also operates six sites under its sister brand, Curry Times, in Singapore.
The company joins a number of international restaurant brands making their UK debut this year, including Polish chain North Fish, sandwich group Which Wich and vegan specialist By Chloe from the USA.
