Comptoir Libanais makes regional debut at Grand Central


Hammerson has announced today that Lebanese restaurant, Comptoir Libanais is to open its first restaurant in the West Midlands at Grand Central, Birmingham. The new 3,047 sq ft restaurant will be located next to Indian street food specialists, Mowgli and is due to open in March.

Since its launch in 2008, the group has continued to share healthy and affordable Lebanese and Middle Eastern food with customers across England; with locations in and outside London.

The new Comptoir Libanais restaurant at Grand Central marks an important first for Birmingham, where it will join other prime restaurant brands including Tapas Revolution and Pho. The restaurant will have space for approximately 100 covers and will also feature a small “souk” (market) where customers can buy authentic ingredients, homeware and gifts as well as branded cookbooks.

Since gaining ownership of Grand Central in 2016, Hammerson has implemented a proactive asset management strategy to enhance the centre’s existing premium retail and dining offer. In addition to Comptoir Libanais, this ongoing approach has also seen Rituals take its first store in the city at Grand Central.

Sarah Fox, Head of Restaurants and Leisure at Hammerson, said, “We are delighted to kick off 2018 by announcing that Comptoir Libanais has chosen Grand Central to open its first restaurant in the region. The brand’s authentic offer is a unique addition that will further diversify the impressive dining line-up at Grand Central and illustrates the strength of Grand Central both as a retail and dining destination, and as a key regional travel hub.”

Tony Kitous, founder of Comptoir Libanais, added, “I’ve always dreamt of creating a traditional Lebanese restaurant where everyone can eat and drink in humble and friendly surroundings, and I am so excited to now bring the warm Middle Eastern hospitality and way of life to brand new guests in Birmingham. Grand Central’s position above the busy New Street Station and adjacent to Bullring makes it the perfect location for our first restaurant in the West Midlands.”

Since its launch in 2015, Grand Central has established itself as one of the country’s leading retail and dining destinations, ideally located adjacent to the iconic Bullring in Birmingham city centre. Also situated directly above New Street Station, the busiest train station outside of London, Grand Central is home to twenty food and beverage brands, including Carluccio's, Tapas Revolution, Ed's Easy Diner, Costa, Paul and Nando's.