7/9/2025
M Core achieves fully let scheme at High Bridge Place
We are thrilled to have achieved full occupancy at High Bridge Place and welcome Smoke & Dough to the scheme. It’s fantastic to see the former TGI Fridays unit brought back life with this exciting new brand.
“The fact that Smoke & Dough have picked this location for their second opening is a testament to Chelmsford’s strength as a leisure destination and to the attractiveness of High Bridge Place itself."
Toby Saggers, Associate Director at LCP, part of M Core
M Core is pleased to announce that High Bridge Place in Chelmsford is now fully let, following its latest tenant signing.
Independent restaurant Smoke & Dough, which offers a unique personalised ‘BBQ on your table’ concept, has signed a 15-year lease on the final vacant unit at the retail destination. The 8,586 sq ft space will be the restaurant’s second venue, having first launched the concept in Liverpool One in 2019.
Smoke & Dough is an interactive restaurant where every table has a lava coal pit so customers can grill their own meat. The restaurant serves sourdough pizza, fresh homemade breads, dips, burgers, and a section of pizza as an à la carte concept, along with a popular Bento box for kids and homemade desserts.
The 61,821 sq ft city centre leisure scheme has successfully secured new tenants in recent months, including Smoke & Dough, further enhancing the scheme's diversity. The Smoke & Dough unit was previously a TGI Fridays restaurant that closed as part of the company-wide restructuring.
Toby Saggers, Associate Director at LCP, part of M Core, which manages High Bridge Place, said: "We are thrilled to have achieved full occupancy at High Bridge Place and welcome Smoke & Dough to the scheme. It’s fantastic to see the former TGI Fridays unit brought back life with this exciting new brand.
“The fact that Smoke & Dough have picked this location for their second opening is a testament to Chelmsford’s strength as a leisure destination and to the attractiveness of High Bridge Place itself."
Sachin Bajpai, Co-Founder, Smoke & Dough, commented: "We’re incredibly excited to launch Smoke & Dough in Chelmsford, a city that perfectly mirrors the spirit of our brand. Just as Chelmsford is one of the UK’s newest and fastest-growing cities, Smoke & Dough represents a fresh, modern take on dining, bold, vibrant, and full of energy.
“We created Smoke & Dough in 2019 to bring the fun and flavour of BBQ dining to the UK all year round, something people love for its lively, shared, and celebratory experience. Our concept combines personalised table-top grilling with homemade breads, pizzas, and indulgent desserts, all in a setting made for families and friends to come together.
“This is just the beginning, as Chelmsford grows, so will we, with a vision to become a true multi-city brand across the UK."
Kim Chalkin, Senior Legal Counsel (UK), completed this transaction on behalf of the landlord.
We are thrilled to have achieved full occupancy at High Bridge Place and welcome Smoke & Dough to the scheme. It’s fantastic to see the former TGI Fridays unit brought back life with this exciting new brand.
“The fact that Smoke & Dough have picked this location for their second opening is a testament to Chelmsford’s strength as a leisure destination and to the attractiveness of High Bridge Place itself."
Toby Saggers, Associate Director at LCP, part of M Core
