International chain Vapiano has recently opened its first restaurant outside London, bringing freshly made pizza dough, pasta and salads to the newly revamped Corn Exchange. The vast 400-cover operation spans two floors, with chefs preparing dishes right in front of diners. Portions are generous – a Caprese salad starter included a whole buffalo mozzarella – and you can choose from ten freshly prepared pastas, then add a sauce (from classic Italian to internationally inspired versions). While there’s better pasta in existence, this is satisfyingly speedy fast food that tastes fresh. Every customer is issued with a smart card, so you only pay for what you order – putting an end to tricky bill-splitting. The surroundings are attractive too, with fresh herb pots on tables and an olive tree as a centrepiece. Given the ease of service and the spectacle of the chefs in action, Vapiano will undoubtedly prove popular with families and groups.