Wagamama has launched a campaign to encourage students to study together combating loneliness and post pandemic isolation, The pan Asian restaurant will trial the opening of study areas on its iconic benches at a number of wagamama’s up and down the country.
Students will be invited to the study and connection sessions during quiet afternoons from Monday – Wednesday and be offered free green tea. wagamama has also created a bespoke menu at an exclusive price if they want to dine in during or after their studies, the initiative has been created because for thousands of young people this will be their first year at university, their first time living in a new city, and a daunting moment in their lives that’s been made more difficult following the pandemic.
Loneliness amongst students has become the norm with many finding it difficult to create new friendships, and ultimately, don’t end up having the true university experience they had wished for.
The 30 sites across England and Scotland will welcome university students to bond on their iconic benches and get to know one another over a green tea. wagamama team members will set aside a private space in restaurants on select days and times, giving the chance to connect, study and make new friends in a safe space.
The campaign will take place over a one month period, Monday to Wednesday from 3-5pm creating quiet, safe spaces for friendship and study. The restaurants taking part include
Lincoln, Manchester St Peters Square, Bath, Birmingham Bullring, Newcastle, Southampton, Edinburgh St Andrews Square, Didsbury, Leeds Trinity, Wembley, Islington, Bankside, Putney, Kingston, Richmond, Canterbury, Colchester, Coventry, Fulham, Guildford, Clink Street, Wigmore, Stratford, Ealing, Oxford, Winchester, Uxbridge, Ipswich, Brighton and Plymouth.
Max said: “loneliness amongst students is at a scarily all-time high with many finding it difficult to make new friends and have the true university experience. wagamama has the privilege to support young people, by opening our doors and welcoming students to bond on our benches and study in a safe space with a bespoke set menu at an exclusive price.”
wagamama is renowned for its iconic katsu curry as well as a menu packed full of fresh, nourishing dishes including rice bowls, noodles, curries, and is expecting huge demand for their new plant based dishes.
In October 2021 wagamama announced the launch of new plant-based dishes meaning it is the UK’s first high street restaurant to give plant-based dishes equal share on their menu.
Vegan trailblazers wagamama will continue to promote plant-based eating as one of the most powerful choices consumers can make in the fight against climate change.
As part of their ‘2021 Positive Action Plan’, wagamama pledged to make half their menu plant-based by the end of the year. A commitment they met three months early upon the launch of their new menu on October 6.
wagamama has achieved it’s 50 per cent plant-based commitment through launching dishes like Spicy Teriyaki Vegan ‘Chicken’ Steamed Buns, Spicy Vegan ‘Short Rib’ Ramen, Teriyaki Vegan ‘Chicken’ Ramen, and Shu’s ‘Shiok’ Jackfruit.
wagamama: our story and our food ‘kaizen’, meaning ‘good change’ is the philosophy that sits right at our heart. It shapes every dish we create, and pushes us to find better ways in all that we do. We’re restless spirits, forever creating and making things better.
