The Fine Burger Company has unveiled plans to open its first restaurant outside London at the Galleria, a shopping centre in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

The gourmet burger chain, which has six outlets across the capital, has taken on a 3,100sq ft (288sq m) unit on a 15-year lease from property group Land Securities, which is upgrading the Galleria.

Scheduled to open in early July, the 100-cover restaurant will be situated in a linking point between the 90-plus retail stores and an Odeon cinema and further restaurants. 

Robert Tame, managing director of the Fine Burger Co said: “The Galleria presented an excellent opportunity to expand outside of London.  Land Securities’ upgrade programme is in line with our requirements in terms of location, building aesthetics and target customers.”

Phil Cottingham, portfolio director at Land Securities, added: “We are delighted to welcome Fine Burger to the scheme.  As part of our strategy to improve the Galleria we are looking to increase and diversify our restaurants and bars offering firmly establishing the Galleria as a real mixed-use destination.”

Shelley Sandzer is the leisure letting agent for the Galleria.

McDonalds bites back >>

Fast-food moves upmarket >>

By Daniel Thomas

E-mail your comments to Daniel Thomas here.