Wonderful Kitchen in Charminster secures council grant

The new addition to Wonderful Kitchen & Lounge in Charminster will see private dining pods built in the indoor garden themed ‘Wonderful Garden’ space.

‘Wonderful Garden’ will be an extension to the existing takeaway and restaurant and shares the same concept as the private karaoke rooms.

The family-run business was awarded the grant from BCP Council to help bounce back from the pandemic.

Artist impression of Wonderful Kitchen in Charminster after £70k grant

Supported by the grant, eight private dining pods will be created offering seating for 52 customers into the adjoining property, described by the owner as a “first” for Bournemouth.

The smallest pod can hold up to four people and the largest up to 16.

Second generation owner of the family business Joyce Yuen said: “We’re delighted to receive this grant which will undoubtedly see positive changes to our future aspect in the catering, hospitality and entertainment sector.

“The safety of our customers and staff is our primary priority in which we are most thankful to have the support from the council to enable us to deliver this and to support other businesses and the local economy.

“This will ensure the continued vitality of the local business community and support BCP Council’s plans to drive growth across the region.”

Features like service buttons will be inbuilt into the self-isolating pods and help minimise the flow of travel and contact within the venue.

The concept will allow diners the extra privacy, which the restaurant says will allow for social distancing and provide a high level of safety measures to both staff and diners.

Wonderful Kitchen in Charminster receives £70k grant from BCP Council for 'Wonderful Garden' space

Deputy Leader of BCP Council Phillip Broadhead said: “Following a competitive process as part of our Bounce Back Challenge Fund, we were delighted to award this grant to Wonderful Kitchen & Lounge.

“We challenged businesses to think differently and creatively to help them not just limp out of the pandemic, but leap out. This project does precisely that, with brilliant new dining pods which not only help with social distancing and health reassurance, but are also really fun.”

The existing restaurant will remain closed for the “modernisation”, and it is projected to reopen in December. The takeaway and karaoke rooms are open as usual.

Visit wonderfulkitchen.co.uk for more information.