New openings: More for Chipotle, Wagamama, Cosmo

It is US-based Chipotle’s first venture south of the river, joining sites on Charing Cross Road, Baker Street, Wardour Street, Upper Street and St Martin’s Lane. After a deliberately slow start in the UK, the chain is now stepping up the pace of its roll-out.

Wagamama has launched its latest opening on Kingsway next to Holborn station in London. The site, which opened on Tuesday (22 January), is Wagamama’s seventh new UK venue in five months as it steps up its pace of expansion, and its 35th launch in London in total.

Asian buffet group Cosmo is to open in Edinburgh. The company’s new 300-seat restaurant will succeed the Mood nightclub in the city’s Omni centre, as part of plans to turn the centre into a more food-focused operation. Cosmo currently runs 13 sites across the UK.

Individual Restaurants will open a site under its Restaurant Bar and Grill format in Chester’s Pepper Street development. It is the first of several brands anticipated to sign up to the scheme.

The Restaurant Group is opening branches of Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito close to the Arena Park shopping centre in Coventry.

Carluccio’s is to open in Lincoln in March. It replaces the Lamb and Flag pub on the town’s high street.

Jamie’s Italian will open its delayed Aberdeen restaurant in mid-February.