While many a food and drink operator has come and gone from the Trafford Centre over the past two decades, Italian restaurant Est Est Est has remained something of a stalwart. The restaurant, known by just the one "Est" these days, has been seving up pizza and pasta at the giant shopping mall for the best part of 20 years.
But now, the Italian venue has unveiled a major refurbishment and new look following an eight week closure. The shiny new Est opened at the weekend with an entirely new menu to entice in diners too.
It is based on the upper level of The Orient at the Trafford Centre, and is one of the longest-standing food operators in the shopping mall. It sits just opposite All Bar One.
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Shoppers can expect a glossy new look at the restaurant, with a new feature tiled bar, colourful seating and a redesigned new terrace space at the front of the restaurant to look out at all the comings and goings in the mall.
Bosses say they have also invested in a new kitchen at the site, to create the new menu which features the return of old favourites alongside new twists. You can expect to be paying from £10.75 to £14.75 for pizzas, with pasta dishes from £11.25 for a classic arrabiata.
There is the return of Est's famous "secret recipe" lasagne too - priced at £13.25. The "griglia" grill section includes rib eye steak for £25.95 and sea bream for £18.50, while there's also the return of Est's popular Pollo Milanese for £15.95.
A statement from the restaurant announcing the refurbishment said: "The popular restaurant’s expert chefs are renowned for serving the finest dishes Italy has to offer, including rustic pizzas, classic pastas, vibrant salads and regional grill dishes.
"At est every dish is cooked fresh to order, the Italian bread selection is delivered daily from a local bakery, the Chocolate Brownie is baked daily by the Pastry Chef Adriano and the Sea bream is delivered fresh daily.
"The Trafford Centre est is also loved for serving up authentic spritz cocktails, exclusive fine wines, Italian craft beers and Italian barista coffees. Now est, the authentic Italian restaurant, has re-opened after getting a full brand refresh which took over eight weeks during the spring.
"The Italian inspired restaurant is now an even better place to stop by on your next shopping trip, and choose to unwind in the peaceful haven inside, or dine al fresco come rain or shine in the covered outside seating area."
Harry Flynn is Operations Manager at The Restaurant Group which operates Est. He said: “After a long eight weeks away, we are so excited to have the chance to show off est to The Trafford Centre and to guests from further afield.
"The restaurant looks amazing, the food is superb, and the team can’t wait to get back! With the current pressures facing the hospitality industry, it is a privilege to be able to invest in our people and our restaurants.”
Est is open seven days a week at the Trafford Centre, from 11am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays from 11am to 7pm.
