Major Wagamama walk-in change ends 34 year restaurant rule

Now you can be sure you'll get a spot when you get to Wagamama

Every Wagamama in the UK will now be following the same rules after a change that will affect all of their restaurants.

While the popular eatery is the sort of place many people will just walk into with the hopes of getting a table, the new change means that every single one of their restaurants will now allow you to book on the day.

On the day bookings are going to become the norm at Wagamama so you can be sure you'll get somewhere to sit if you go, and a group of any size can book a table.

Many Wagamama branches had operated a 'walk-in only' approach where they'd serve anyone who came through the doors as long as they still had space for them, and is a big shift in the brand's 34 years of operating in the UK.

Staff are still going to be scribbling on your menu to keep track of your order as that's part of Wagamama tradition, but booking is finally getting adopted at all of their locations.

They held a trial period which turned out to be pretty successful so they've rolled it out to all of their 174 locations in the UK.

In the hopes of getting more people to sign up to the booking system, guests who book by 15 October for a meal at a Wagamama some time between 18 November and 5 January will get a complimentary glass of prosecco.

Claire Farrant, Wagamama's chief marketing officer, said: “For 34 years, Wagamama has been known for welcoming guests who simply turn up, take a seat and enjoy our food.

"It’s been part of who we are since we first opened in 1992, so introducing same day any party size bookings is a really significant moment for us.

“We know how much our guests love coming together over Wagamama, whether that’s a quick lunch, a catch-up with friends or a big family celebration. By introducing bookings, we’re making it easier than ever for people to plan those moments and enjoy the Wagamama experience in a way that works for them."

She also said that it was the right time to do it with the busy festive period approaching, saying they were bringing back cranberry katsu again.

“At Wagamama, we’ve always believed in kaizen, the philosophy of good change," she said.

"This is a big change for us, but it’s one that reflects how our guests want to dine today, while staying true to everything that makes Wagamama special."

Guests wanting to book Wagamama instead of just walking in can do it through their site, Open Table or the Soul Club app, while groups of 20 or more can call the restaurant directly.

Sounds like it's going to be busy in there.

Joe wrote words for all sorts of Reach titles before joining the LADbible Group, where he now writes about all sorts of things including science and tech. When not writing he enjoys the nerdier things in life like painting wargaming miniatures and chatting with other nerds on the internet.

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