Leon to open 'digital-first' restaurant on London's Kings Road

Leon is to launch a ‘digital-first’ restaurant in London, its first new opening since its sale to petrol station operator EG Group earlier this year.

The 28-cover, 1,340 sq ft restaurant will launch on Kings Road in London’s Chelsea this October.

It will feature kiosks for digital ordering and payment, which Leon said would free up team members to offer an "elevated level of service".

The menu will include "plant-based dish innovations" and showcase new developments and collaborations alongside classic dishes such as Leon's gluten-free chicken nuggets and 'carbon neutral burgers'.

“We've had our eye on this location pre the pandemic, so to be able to make it happen with the support from EG Group is fantastic,” said Glenn Edwards, managing director at Leon.

EG Group announced its acquisition of Leon in April and is planning to open 10 further sites under the brand this year, including its first drive-through restaurant in West Yorkshire.

Leon trades from more than 70 sites and EG Group is aiming to open around 20 new restaurants per year from 2022, including multiple drive-through locations.

EG Group is run by brothers Zuber and Mohsin Issa. The pair bought supermarket chain Asda for £6.8b this year and also own the Stanley House Hotel & Spa in Lancashire. They made an unsuccessful bid to take over Caffè Nero last year.

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