This August, wagamama is spreading love and inclusivity through its Soul Sessions, a series of soulful outdoor music performances showcasing talented LGBTQIA+ artists. Taking place between 6:30-8:30pm on various weekdays, depending on the location, these live music sets will grace some of wagamama’s most iconic outdoor dining spots. The initiative is part of their pride celebrations this year, aiming to celebrate the diverse and empowering voices from the LGBTQIA+ community.
As an added treat for guests attending the Soul Sessions, wagamama is offering a summer cocktail or a mindful drink upon quoting ‘Soul Sessions’ upon arrival at the events. The cocktails include delightful concoctions like the Pandan Colada with fragrant pandan, a refreshing Sake Spritz, and a Thai Chilli Margarita for those who prefer a bit of spice. For non-alcoholic options, the mindful drink menu features the cherry blossom lemonade.
The Soul Sessions will feature talented up and coming singer-songwriters, including Kitty Perrin, Toby Corton, and Bessi, performing at various wagamama venues across the UK. The series kicks off on August 1st at the Bankside and Victoria restaurants in London, with one more venue yet to be announced. In the South, the Cardiff Library, Exeter, and Ashford branches will host the Soul Sessions, while in the North, the Lincoln, Manchester Spinningfields, and Birmingham New Street branches will also join in the musical celebrations.
wagamama is a staunch advocate for inclusivity, both internally and externally, and continues to demonstrate its solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community this summer and beyond. Understanding the importance of safe spaces and historic hospitality venues for the LGBTQIA+ community, wagamama is supporting three grassroots-led organizations and queer venues across the UK. The brand will offer resources and assistance to these organizations, ranging from financial donations to space provision for events and networking opportunities, catering for events, and opening doors for volunteering and training opportunities.
In addition to the Soul Sessions, wagamama hosted a pop-up cinema event in Sheffield Winter Garden on July 29th in collaboration with The Village Screen to celebrate Pride. The event featured a screening of the film “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar,” along with free cocktails and iconic wagamama sides for the attendees.
Furthermore, wagamama is proudly featuring the artwork of queer illustrator and artist Josh McKenna in a permanent installation at its Brighton restaurant. Josh’s vibrant and inclusive artwork represents the diverse teams at wagamama and adds a touch of positivity to the dining experience.
To top it all off, wagamama’s pride celebrations started with a special event series, including drag brunches across the UK, as a gesture of appreciation and support for their restaurant teams. The brand closed several restaurant locations early to treat their team members to an afternoon of free cocktails, drag hosts, DJ sets, and a curated menu, celebrating the diversity within the wagamama team.
Throughout this summer, wagamama is showcasing its commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community, celebrating diversity, and empowering voices from all walks of life.
