A Vietnamese chain which has been a hit in London is heading north. HOP will be arriving at the Trafford Centre next month, and is making some bold claims about how quick it will be able to serve its customers.
It says that thanks to its ‘digital ordering kiosks’ customers will have their order in three minutes of walking in. Dishes are made to order, and are inspired by Vietnamese street food vendors.
The chain has just opened a third London site on Bond Street, to join its other sites at London Wall and St Paul’s in the City. The Trafford Centre branch will be the brand’s fourth.
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On the menu are hot Vietnamese banh-mi baguettes with roast duck, pork, chicken, mushroom or the vegan Meatless Farm chick’n’, served with herbs and pickled vegetables. It also specialises in box meals, with caramel or lemongrass chicken, chargrilled pork, pork satay, pork ‘riblets’ and vegan curries.
The Trafford Centre branch will also be offering an expanded menu of bubble teas, soft serve ice cream, iced Vietnamese coffees and homemade lemonades, as well as a kids menu.
Paul Hopper, founder of HOP Vietnamese, said: "Being a Northerner myself I have always dreamt of taking HOP up north one day - so when an opportunity came up in Manchester's Trafford Centre it was hard to say no.
“I've believed for some time that HOP's offering is perfectly suited to the needs of busy shoppers looking for a more exciting alternative to the regular fast-food offerings you typically find in shopping centre food courts. As one of the UK's busiest shopping centres - Trafford Centre is the perfect place for us to demonstrate our appeal to this new audience."
The Trafford Centre’s Simon Layton added: “We’re delighted to welcome HOP to Trafford Centre, particularly as this is the brand’s first opening outside of London. HOP will make an excellent addition to our ever-evolving dining offer and we’re confident visitors are going to love it.”
The sites are described as being ‘a riot of colour, texture and design’, with the Trafford Centre branch opening from 10.30am to 10pm seven days a week at the lower level of the Orient food court.
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