Food mecca served up in £1 million overhaul

SCOTLAND’S largest designer outlet is to undergo a £1 million makeover to transform its current foodcourt into an 800-seater dining mecca.

McArthurGlen’s Livingston will unveil the new 20,500 sq ft eatery space – that will offer everything from filled jacket potatoes to authentic Italian dishes – at the end of March.

The Food Quarter will be split into three areas: The Pit Stop with a self-service bar area, the Family Kitchen a child-friendly larger open plan table and chair seated area, and the Dining Lounge with banquette-style seating providing flexible seating arrangements.

A spokeswoman said: “The development reflects on the increasing trend amongst Scottish shoppers to combine shopping, dining and cinema in one.”

Karen Stewart, centre manager at McArthurGlen’s Livingston Designer Outlet, added: “Many of our shoppers are looking for a shopping and entertainment experience, combining their fashion trip with a meal and film, often staying into the evening.

“The six-figure development really enhances the centre’s environment and puts McArthurGlen’s Livingston on the map as the must-visit destination for shoppers from Edinburgh, Glasgow and the immediate local area.”

In order to ensure that the new development does not have any impact on the thousands who use the centre every day, all work to create the new dining area will be carried out at night.