Itsu aiming to double in size with 80 new restaurants

Itsu is looking to open 80 new restaurants as part of plans to double the size of its portfolio in the UK.

The Asian-inspired chain has appointed Savills to advise on its expansion plans as it searches for new sites across the country.

Itsu is looking to strengthen its foothold in its London heartland, where the majority of its restaurants are based, as well as growing its presence in new locations.

Its focus will be on launching flagship stores in prominent city centres to capitalise on footfall from shoppers, office workers, tourists and students.

Since it was launched by Julian Metcalfe, one of the co-founders of Pret A Manger, in London in 1997, Itsu has opened a handful of sites outside the south-east of England, including in Bath, Exeter, Manchester, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Kate Thompson, property director at Itsu, said: “At Itsu, we are focused on making the joy of delicious, health[ier], Asian-inspired food available to everyone across the UK and beyond.

"We look forward to working with Savills to help us deliver on our plan for growth.”