Cheltenham's The Promenade is proving irresistible for new business ventures.
Following the opening of a huge new Goldsmiths jewellery store, as well as international luxury wellbeing brand RITUALS and popular London restaurant, Rosa's Thai poised to arrive soon, London's Japes has decided it wants 'a pizza the action' too.
The London pizza restaurant has decided to expand outside the capital for the first time, with Cheltenham confirmed as its next home in 2025.
Praised by foodie fans for its signature deep-dish pizzas, Japes is taking over the former Santiago's tapas restaurant, between Space NK and Huffkins Bakery, on The Promenade.
Japes has three London restaurants in Camden, Soho and Greenwich. The expansion of its franchises will see work to fit out the new Cheltenham restaurant begin on Monday 11 November 2024, with an aim to open in the new year.
Founded by a young couple who established Japes in 2018, when they were both 26 years old, the Japes slogan is 'the taste of joy'.
Describing the inspiration behind its popular pizzas, the Japes founders say: 'Japes stands for an activity done to make someone laugh. We are a group of people in the business of making others happy.'
Cheltenham's KBW Property Consultants senior director Richard Knightley negotiated the terms for the new opening.
He said: 'We are very pleased to secure this new restaurant tenant for our client. 23 Promenade has a long history of Italian cuisine, and I look forward to trying their Chicago deep dish pizzas very soon.
'This letting is the latest of several on The Promenade as it continues its resurgence with new store openings this year alone for Caffè Nero, Charles Tyrwhitt and Goldsmiths.'
The London menu includes starters of olives, padron peppers, nachos, chorizo bites, garlic and mozzarella bread, nduja and mozzarella bread, goat's cheese and figs. While sides feature Greek and caprese salad, chips and twice-baked rosemary potato wedges.
Japes' range of pizzas include vegetarian and vegan options as well as plenty of meaty toppings. It also has a range of crust dipping sauces described as 'audacious' by British GQ.
