MERRY Hill has welcomed popular Italian restaurant, ASK Italian, to the shopping centre.

The Italian-inspired eatery opened on Wednesday (November 29) between Bon Pan Asian and the recently opened Wagamama restaurant.

The new restaurant has space for approximately 140 diners and serves up a range of antipasti, stone-baked pizzas, and fresh pasta dishes, as well as a wealth of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.

It also has the locally distilled Dr Eamers' London Dry Gin on the menu.

Corinne Prior, marketing director at ASK Italian, said: “This year we're celebrating 30 years of ASK Italian and of bringing the best of Italy to our customers.

“Our new Merry Hill site perfectly adds to our family of restaurants and will be a place where everyone's welcome to enjoy great Italian meals.”

The launch of ASK follows the recent opening of Sides, a fried chicken restaurant backed by YouTube sensations The Sidemen, at the centre.

Gourmet burger restaurant, Big Smoke Burger & Wings, is also set to open its doors soon in Eat Central, with buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant, Wingstop, set to open in early 2024.

Merry Hill’s centre manager Jonathan Poole said: "We're continuing to evolve the centre, offering unrivalled convenience and experiences for visitors that go well beyond shopping.

"The opening of ASK Italian and Big Smoke Burger coming soon will add even more variety to the dining options at Merry Hill. And we look forward to welcoming Wingstop in the new year to add even more to the range of choice at both Eat Central and our growing leisure mall.”