A matcha made in heaven

A popular North East café brand is set to anchor a new independent retail hub at one of the region’s largest shopping and leisure destinations.

Metrocentre has confirmed Café Filto will take the flagship unit at The Crescent, a new development set to open early next month in the former Forum space in Upper Green Mall.

Designed to showcase independent and emerging brands, The Crescent will feature ten retail units arranged around a central social space, creating what Metrocentre describes as a village-style environment for shoppers.

Café Filto, which has built a strong following across the region, will sit at the heart of the new hub, serving its range of speciality drinks, snacks and light bites.

The menu will include signature matcha drinks, coffee cans, tasting flights, açaí bowls, cakes, sandwiches and seasonal specials.

Dominic Johnson, owner of Filto, said: “The vision for The Crescent really resonates with us, and we see Café Filto as a natural fit for the space. 

“Being positioned at the heart of this new hub gives us a great opportunity to connect with an expansive mix of people throughout the day, while creating a relaxed space where customers can pause, meet and linger.

“Being an independent operator ourselves, it is fantastic to be able to sit alongside like-minded brands that align with our long-term goals and ambitions.”

The announcement marks the first tenant reveal for The Crescent, which is already attracting strong interest from independent retailers.

More than half of the available units are now under offer, with the 10,000sq ft development designed to help smaller businesses grow alongside major brands already operating at Metrocentre.

Noah Knapton, asset manager at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset managers of Metrocentre, added: “The motivation behind The Crescent is two-fold: we’re looking to support and celebrate small and start-up businesses, and, in doing so, enhance the customer experience by attracting more of the local independents that we know, from the ongoing success of The Village in Blue Mall, our visitors love.

“Launching with Café Filto at the heart of the action is a hugely positive start, bringing one of the hottest names on the North East foodie scene to Metrocentre and helping drive customers of all ages into the new retail space.”

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