Fast pan asian cooking comes to Piccadilly

We recently had the task of spicing up Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens bringing Fast Pan Asian Cooking to the city centre open space. Being the lead creative agency behind the project, we were at the forefront of planning the customer journey in the restaurant, creating all print assets, consulting on the interior and the social media force promoting the brand.

We’re always looking to enhance brands. East Street is part of the Tampopo family, an already a well-established brand that’s loved by locals. But we felt we could add more character and life to the brand. Inspired by simple core colour variants, oriental film posters, typography, japanese matchboxes and the neon lights of Bangkok. We wanted to mix this altogether in the cultural melting pot that is Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens.

The biggest challenge facing the project was time. In two weeks we had to transform the space from an abandoned kitchen with only a few tables and chairs occupying the space to one of Manchester’s most vibrant East Asian street food eateries. Producing everything from supergraphics to menus. Tight deadlines are always a challenge, especially when there are opening dates and parties scheduled, that can’t be missed. Challenges like this make the project more rewarding and memorable. The more difficult the circumstances the more you learn.

There are lots of advantages that come with branding a restaurant – but the opening parties are our favourite! It’s an opportunity to enjoy what we’ve created and reflect upon the project as a whole. Analyse what parts of the project worked, what needs to be improved and what else needs to be done. The opening party itself didn’t disappoint. Complimentary beer, wine and gin to wash down the amazing street food and asian-inspired canapes. A few local celebrities made an appearance and the night, on the whole, was a great turn out. A rewarding project, and it always helps when you can work with clients as great as the those at Tampopo.