Destination Dining Fully Opens

thecentre:mk celebrates Destination Dining in style

From the 14 – 16 July, thecentre:mk celebrated the official launch of its new £10 million restaurant quarter, Destination Dining, with three days of events including cooking demonstrations from Celebrity Chefs John Torode and Lesley Waters.

Over the past two years thecentre:mk has undergone a £20 million enhancement programme which has been designed to attract new retailers and give the centre a more cosmopolitan feel. New technology and the re-development of Queens Court have improved the shopper experience and reinforced the growing cafe culture of Milton Keynes. As a result, international brands such as Pandora (Danish), Thomas Sabo (Germany), Carluccios (Italian), and YO! Sushi (Japanese) now grace the malls of the region’s largest shopping destination complimenting the existing retailers.

Throughout the three days a series of events ran to support the opening of Destination Dining. There was a local stakeholder event with invited guests including the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Debbie Brock  on the 14 July. The following day Celebrity Chef, John Torode performed cooking demonstrations with regional competition winners, and on Friday 16 July Lesley Waters recreated signature dishes for the public from key retailers Giraffe, Wagamama and Pizza Express. Not to be left out, also on the Friday, chefs from the new Destination Dining restaurants, YO! Sushi, Cafe Rouge, Carluccios and Nando’s demonstrated dishes from their menus.

“Destination Dining is thecentre:mk’s biggest development for over 15 years,” commented Melanie Beck, Head of Marketing & Communications for thecentre:mk. “Therefore we put together a series of events throughout the three days which were designed to celebrate with key local dignitaries and the our shoppers. Our professional master of ceremonies was on hand to help get the best information out of the chefs and our store sampling and advice from Waitrose, Marks & Spencer’s and Hotel Chocolat.”

ENDS

More about thecentre:mk
Media information: Mike Graham, PR Officer on 01908 398132 or mike.graham@thecentremk.com or the Marketing Team on 01908 678641 or visit www.thecentremk.com 
Please note: When referring to thecentre:mk please ensure that it is spelt only in lower case and as one word with no spaces.

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With over 240 stores, cafes and restaurants all under one roof, it is anchored by John Lewis, House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer and Next. thecentre:mk is the premier shopping destination in the region between London and Birmingham, Cambridge and Oxford, and is unrivalled in its customer service. Included in the overall proposition are civic spaces and events venues; City Square and Middleton Hall which offer a varied programme of free events throughout the year, including bridal shows, fashion events, motor shows and the award winning Christmas display. thecentre:mk came 19th in the Sunday Times Green Companies 2010, it is a founder member of the National Skills Academy for retail and has Investors in People Accreditation.