Keneagles Ltd, whose directors include pharmacy boss Colin Johnston, said Lynas Food Outlet will launch at Antrim’s Castle Mall in late autumn.

Work is due to start to restructure part of the mall so that the 8,500 sq ft store can open.

Mascott Construction is due to carry out the building work at the new outlet — which will be reached from Central Car Park — creating 30 construction jobs.

The Lynas family, who own Lynas Foodservice, have said they have ambitious expansion plans to reach 18 stores by 2024.

The new outpost will stock Lynas’ ‘frozen-for-freshness range’, which includes big-pack fresh chicken fillets, multipack bulk-value deals and Lynas’ own-brand butchery label, Causeway Prime.

Gary Mills, Lynas Foodservice chief operating officer, said: “We are thrilled to see work beginning in Castle Mall for our latest Lynas Food Outlet.

“Antrim is going through a huge regeneration and, with more investment in the town centre and additional family homes under construction, we see the potential in this catchment area and are delighted to not only bring our product range to the town, but also create additional jobs throughout the construction and retail operations.”

Pamela Minford, centre manager at Castle Mall, said she was pleased to see another retailer investing in the scheme.

“2022 has been a positive year for shaping retail and we have been on a growth trajectory since the transfer to the new owners in 2021.

“Lynas Food will reshape Castle Mall completely by opening it up onto Central Car Park and inviting customers to continue their shopping experience right through the centre.

“We have a strong local community in Antrim who want to see Castle Mall succeed and this is just the beginning of our regeneration strategy, with further exciting development plans to come soon.”

Investment in Castle Mall has also brought about the upsizing and relocation of health shop Holland & Barrett, as well as Specsavers and Card Factory. A new Vietnamese-style coffee shop has also opened, while pet store Furbies is set to open next month.

Billy Webb, the Alliance mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said: “As a well-known brand in Northern Ireland, Lynas will undoubtedly be a big attraction for shoppers and will be key to the further development of this part of Antrim.

“The council working with the private sector has developed really ambitious plans for Antrim and looks forward to implementing these over the coming years.”

Castle Mall was bought over by UK property company Edinburgh House in 2010.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council granted planning permission for redevelopment at Castle Mall last year.

The post Antrim’s Castle Mall to open 8,500 sq ft Lynas Food outlet first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The new 1,200 square ft formally opened on Saturday and is the chain’s only store in the town.

Five members of staff are employed in the branch and Holland and Barrett confirmed they are seeking to create another two sales associate positions which are currently advertised.

The refreshed shop includes a “specialist honey bay” and new click-and collect area.

The chain has more than 700 stores throughout the UK and is a recognisable presence on the high street across Northern Ireland.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey councillor Billy Webb said: “I was delighted to attend the opening of Holland and Barrett’s new store in Castle Mall in Antrim.

“It is another excellent example of our residents supporting our local high street businesses and I wish Holland and Barrett every success.”

Pamela Minford, centre manager at Castle Mall said: “We’re really very excited to welcome existing and new customers to the brand new store which has been designed with shoppers very much in mind.

“Holland and Barrett has a huge range of wellness products and so there really is something for everyone. The store’s team is also expanding with two new roles being advertised now.”

The post Redeveloped Holland and Barrett store opens in Antrim’s Castle Mall first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Banh Boy Antrim will offer diners a Northern Irish spin on the traditional banh mi – a popular Vietnamese sandwich – using local suppliers to create a hearty baguette filled with savoury and fresh flavours. Also on the menu will be TikTok favourite Vietnamese Coffee, a sweet treat customers enjoyed free of charge on the first day of opening.

The 28-seater café is located on the ground floor of the shopping mall, opposite retailer Poundland, and is the latest concept from restaurateur Gerard McQuillan who has enjoyed previous success with Freight Belfast.

With its relaxed, casual dining atmosphere Banh Boy Antrim will be the first food offering to open in the centre since the start of the Covid pandemic and marks a real step forward as shoppers return with confidence to Castle Mall.

Creative flair

Known for his creative flair and ability to fuse street food with fine dining, Gerard McQuillan has a proven track record of transforming unoccupied spaces into cutting edge restaurants and cafés. Mr. McQuillan has said Banh Boy will not only provide a fun environment for people to eat and drink but will also add a vibrant, cosmopolitan dimension to Antrim town.

“Right across Northern Ireland there is an increasing appetite for world cuisines and the demand for authentic street food shows no signs of disappearing,” he said.

“What makes Banh Boy Antrim so unique is that we’re putting our own spin on the sandwiches and visitors can expect to see all of their local favourites on the menu in a totally new and creative way.

“We are excited to begin this new venture and believe we can add to what is already a thriving café culture within the town. After months of planning and menu preparation it’s been great to finally open our doors and bring these dishes to life. We’ve had a really positive opening weekend and now look forward to building on this over the weeks and months ahead.”

New era

Pamela Minford, Centre Manager at Castle Mall said: “Banh Boy Antrim is the first in what we hope is a series of exciting announcements for Castle Mall and marks a new era in what we expect to be a significant period of transformation for the centre.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer food and drink once again to our customers and wish to extend a warm welcome to Gerard and the team as they officially open their doors. Having just relocated our Asian supermarket to a larger unit, we know there is strong demand for world cuisines here and are confident that Banh Boy Antrim will be a hit with local shoppers and add to our overall visitor experience.”

Shoppers will also have the chance to visit a Christmas pop-up store which has also opened at Castle Mall. Full opening times and details of other recent changes within the centre can be found at www.castlemallantrim.com .

To keep up to date with the latest news from Banh Boy Antrim or see the full menu, follow banhboy_ni on Instagram.

The post Vietnamese cafe launches in Castle Mall, Antrim first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.