Wings World Cuisine is set to occupy 17,000 sq ft at the Merchant’s Quay Shopping Centre in Cork, ending a 13-year vacancy following the closure of Café Kylemore. The €1.2m investment will feature a 280-seat all-you-can-eat buffet and late-night karaoke rooms, with the venue securing a 25-year lease negotiated by Savills, according to divisional commercial director Lia Dennehy.
Reviving Merchant’s Quay Through Diversification
The arrival of the buffet-style restaurant marks a strategic pivot for the 1980s-era shopping centre. Merchant’s Quay has faced significant challenges, including the loss of anchor tenants like Debenhams in 2020 and the more recent departures of discount retailer Dealz and clothing store Born. According to Savills, the centre’s annual footfall currently sits at approximately 5m to 5.5m, a decline from its 8m peak.
Lia Dennehy, who negotiated the deal for landlord Clarendon Properties, described the new tenant as a “great addition” that offers a distinct experience for the city centre. The project involves a significant reconfiguration of the first floor, combining the former Kylemore premises with additional units to create a large-scale dining and entertainment hub.
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The new venue will feature a dedicated entrance from St Patrick’s Street for evening diners, allowing the facility to operate independently of the shopping centre’s daytime hours.
The Rise of Late-Night Dining and Karaoke
A key feature of the Cork expansion is the inclusion of three karaoke rooms, which are slated to remain open until 2am. Architect Mariano Proietti, of Proietti Design, stated that the concept draws inspiration from South East Asian dining trends and successful models in London. If the karaoke rooms prove successful in Cork, the company plans to expand it to other venues.
The move addresses a gap in the local market for late-night entertainment, which has been constrained since the pandemic-era closure of several city nightclubs. Beyond the karaoke rooms, the restaurant may incorporate live music, aiming to transform the space into a hybrid dining and performance venue once evening food service concludes.
Commercial Outlook and Future Tenancy
The retail landscape within Merchant’s Quay is showing signs of stabilization. In addition to the Wings World Cuisine deal, the centre has secured German discounter Lidl for a 15-year lease in the former Supervalu ground-floor unit. Lidl’s fit-out is already in progress, with an expected opening date at the end of October, according to Clarendon Properties.
While the centre continues to manage high commercial rates, the combination of a high-capacity restaurant, a major supermarket, and the recent arrival of music retailer HMV suggests a shift toward a more varied tenant mix. The lease for Wings World Cuisine, which includes five-yearly rent reviews, signals a long-term commitment to the location by directors Ho Wing and Ran Kang.
Pro Tips for City Centre Developers
- Repurpose Vacant Space: Combining multiple smaller units can attract larger, destination-style tenants that anchor footfall.
- Hybrid Models: Mixing food and beverage with entertainment (like karaoke or live music) helps extend operating hours beyond traditional retail windows.
- Accessibility: Providing dedicated after-hours entrances can make large, multi-level units viable for night-time trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food will Wings World Cuisine serve?
The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat, fixed-price buffet featuring Asian and international cuisines, along with live cooking stations, a pizza oven, and various dessert options.
How late will the venue operate?
The karaoke rooms are designed to remain open until 2am, catering to the late-night economy.
When will the new tenants open?
Lidl is targeting an opening at the end of October, while fit-out work for Wings World Cuisine is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
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