YO! Sushi launches at Southbank Centre

22nd July 2010, 10:41am

YO! Sushi has secured a prime site at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, for its newest restaurant, complete with the restaurant's first-ever alfresco conveyor belt.

The venue is scheduled to open on the 12th August.

Located right on the banks of the Thames, the restaurant boasts 67 covers across 2,570 square foot, arranged around YO! Sushi's famous 'kaiten' conveyor belt, with a further 29 covers outside on the river-facing terrace. 

Robin Rowland, chief executive of YO! Sushi, said: "I'm delighted we are opening a restaurant in such an iconic location as Southbank Centre. Incorporating such a quirky and strong brand as YO! Sushi into a listed building was definitely a challenge, but the finished result is both considerate and striking, and gives visitors a distinct choice from the other eating and drinking options available." 

Situated at the Royal Festival Hall on Festival Riverside, the restaurant design reflects the various textures, colours and finishes that feature around the rest of the 1951 Grade I-listed concert hall.

Columns at the front of the unit are protected, as is the entire front section of the restaurant, so the design brief demanded an incredibly subtle integration. 

Natural materials create an organic yet contemporary feel, with a feature timber-ceiling raft that follows the shape of the conveyor belt below, and which runs down the walls to connect to the raised timber floor. The elements, designed by long-term design partner Philip Watts Design, bring a modern feel to the urban interior. 

A key element of this restaurant's design is YO! Sushi's first outdoor conveyor belt. The belt is designed to be used throughout the year and is covered to give shelter against the sun, and incorporates heaters to provide diners with some winter warmth.
YO! Sushi, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre will be open from 11am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and until 10pm on Sunday.

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