Xbox and Wingstop join forces with gaming zone at Bluewater shopping centre
14:29, 06 August 2021
updated: 10:34, 16 August 2021
An Xbox gaming zone has opened as part of a chicken wing restaurant at Bluewater.
Wingstop has joined forces with the console giants to open a world-first gaming space at the shopping centre in Greenhithe.
The area opens today across the split-level mezzanine Winter Garden area and is available only for Wingstop diners.
Six gaming pods featuring a library of the latest Xbox releases will be unveiled today including PES21, Plants vs Zombies and many more.
The chicken wing eatery has joined forces with many other brands at some of its 1,500 locations but the Bluewater link-up with Xbox is the first in the world.
The "stay and play" concept is part of Wingstop's model to entice customers.
Tom Grogan, director of Lemon Pepper Holdings which runs the Wingstop franchises in the UK, said: "We strive to constantly evolve our approach to grow in the UK market. It’s no longer enough to just open a restaurant and serve amazing food.
"In order to not only thrive, but survive in the casual dining space, brands need to collaborate with culturally relevant partners, and offer their customers unique experiences that they can’t get anywhere else.
"Our Bluewater site felt like the perfect space to partner with Xbox, we’re offering our customers our world-famous wings, and the chance to play some of cutting edge newly-released games."
Robert Goodman, senior centre director at Bluewater, added: “Wingstop’s gaming space is undoubtedly a fantastic addition to the strong leisure and food offering here at Bluewater.
"We are thrilled to be the home of Wingstop’s world-first concept in partnership with Xbox, and we cannot wait to see gamers and foodies enjoying this hybrid destination."
