Metrocentre’s new indie hub, The Crescent, is set to open early next month, with local success story Café Filto confirmed as taking a key spot.

The Crescent – so-called because of the striking curved design of its shopfronts – will showcase independent and emerging brands, transforming what was formerly The Forum in Upper Green Mall into 10 retail units arranged around a central, sociable space to create a welcoming, village-like feel.

, which is fast becoming one of the go-to names on the North East foodie scene, is the first of The Crescent signings to be announced and will occupy the flagship spot at the heart of the new hub, blending a passion for fresh ingredients, bold flavours and design-led spaces to deliver the brand’s distinctive ‘Everyday Extraordinary’ experience.

Busy shoppers can grab a speciality drink and snack to go or sit in and enjoy the laid back ‘Filto’ vibe. There’s something for every time of day: from the brand’s signature iced matcha and coffee cans, popular tasting flights, and new summer specials including Mango Sticky Rice Matcha and Chocolate Banana Bread Latte, to loaded açaí bowls, cakes, sandwiches and other light bites.

Noah Knapton, Asset Manager at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, Asset Managers of Metrocentre, said: “The motivation behind The Crescent is two-fold: we’re looking to support and celebrate small and start-up businesses, and, in doing so, enhance the customer experience by attracting more of the local independents that we know, from the ongoing success of The Village in Blue Mall, our visitors love.

“Launching with Café Filto at the heart of the action is a hugely positive start, bringing one of the hottest names on the North East foodie scene to Metrocentre and helping drive customers of all ages into the new retail space.”

Dominic Johnson, Owner of Filto, added: “The vision for The Crescent really resonates with us, and we see Café Filto as a natural fit for the space. Being positioned at the heart of this new hub gives us a great opportunity to connect with an expansive mix of people throughout the day, while creating a relaxed space where customers can pause, meet and linger. Being an independent operator ourselves, it is fantastic to be able to sit alongside like-minded brands that align with our long-term goals and ambitions.”

With over half of the available units at The Crescent already under offer, Café Filto will soon be joined by more independents, occupying a combined 10,000 sq ft of space dedicated to giving smaller retailers from the region and beyond the opportunity to thrive alongside bigger brands such as Zara, Sephora and Hollister, and, opening at Metrocentre later this year, Bershka and Lefties.