Two more names have joined the list of eateries at one of the most hotly anticipated developments in Gloucestershire; the £3.5 million Gloucester Food Dock.
Hetty’s Place and Maneki Ramen are the latest names to sign on the dotted line, taking the number of eateries in the eclectic mix at the waterside development to 11.
Despite ‘frustrating’ delays to the project, developer Ladybellegate Estates said none of the businesses that had committed to the development had left the fold, and there is potential for a handful of more grand reveals.
Sarah Mansfield, of Ladybellegate Estates, said: ‘These latest announcements are great news. There is potential for another four eateries to come on board, but that depends on how much space each business decides to take.
'We could easily have filled the development, but we are holding out for the right businesses, one of which we hope will be South Asian cuisine.’
Hetty’s Place is ‘an evolution’ of Hetty's Kitchen's first cafe at in Morelands Trading Estate (which will remain in business) and a return to Gloucester Docks for owner Henrietta Kitt, who started her business in a flat overlooking the Food Dock.
Kitt said: ‘Of course we’ll have our fudging delicious signature brownies, but we're also upping the comfort food factor with oozy American-style grilled cheese sarnies and we’ll offer all-day brunchin’ with fresh and colourful avo toast and sweet corn fritters, served with speciality Fire & Flow coffee.’
Her menu will also champion some of Gloucestershire’s best producers, from Cacklebean Eggs, Netherend Farm butter, Tubby Tom’s hot sauces and Godsell’s Cheeses. She'll offer everything from a bloody mary to a new grab 'n' go range of freshly made sarnies, sausage rolls and breakfast items.
Maneki Ramen was founded by chef Pete Dovaston, who after two years training in Japan opened his first ramen shop under the railway arches in Worcester.
His Gloucester Food Dock venture will offer a variety of traditionally made noodle bowls, including his signature hakata style tonkotsu ramen, popular Japanese style comfort foods including triple fried karaage chicken bonburi, and fast foods such as a crispy duck yaki soba along.
There will also be smaller dishes including smoked tofu and wild garlic gyoza dumplings, all made using a combination of locally sourced and Japanese imported ingredients, to create authentic, umami-packed dishes.
The Hop Kettle Brewing Company is already onsite at Gloucester Food Dock fitting out its three floors
in the building fronting Commercial Road, and as soon as the contractors are
off site at the end of July 2023, Mansfield and business partners Ken Elliot expect
the rest of the individual traders to move in.
‘Fit-out is normally six to 12 weeks. We expect businesses to begin opening during this time,’ said Mansfield.
She added that the top floor of the development could still include a fine-dining restaurant.
Other names already committed to the development include Gloucestershire’s own Sibling Gin, Wholly Gelato, Strip Steak Bar, Smashing Plates, artisan pizza business Bella Mia and burger specialists Chuck.
