TV chef James Martin will be in the Black Country next Thursday (October 22) to officially open Merry Hill’s new £24million Eat Central dining experience in an action-packed opening ceremony.

Doors open at 10.30am for live entertainment and there will be an on-stage Q&A session with James Martin to mark the opening of the new development.

Fans of the dishy chef will also be able to meet the star as he signs copies of his new book, My Kitchen, at Waterstones Merry Hill from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

Emma Hindes, Merry Hill centre manager, said: “James Martin has proved a very popular choice and we’re expecting a busy morning on launch day.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved in making Eat Central a reality and we’re confident our customers will enjoy the new culinary experience and international flavours on offer.”

The new Eat Central development, which has created 200 retail jobs on top of 150 jobs during the construction phase, will boast 16 eateries plus Pizza Express and Nando’s restaurants.

Shopping mall owners Westfield have confirmed a host of top names including Yangtzee Express, KFC and Burger King among its signings for the 1,200 seat development.

Zetao Sushi and Noodle Bar, Nineteen Ten Mexican Kitchen, Australian diner Oporto and Indian outlet Tiffinbites are also moving in.