The Bentall Centre has closed its food court after 13 years of business to make way for large retail spaces that will house the latest fashions.
The six operators serving food on the centre's top floor closed on Friday and are to be replaced by several new shops, including a two-storey flagship Zara store due to open in time for Christmas.
It was announced earlier this year that Kingston's principal shopping centre would be closing the traditional food court to meet market demand in the borough for bigger shops.
Centre director Bob Ritchie, said: "Today's shopper has a strong preference for named brand coffee shops. Places such as Costa Coffee and Starbucks within the centre now have more appeal than the food court.
"There will still remain plenty of places for shoppers to relax and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat in the centre including Encore, Cadenza in the Bentalls store, TGI Friday's and Caf Giardino."
Mr Ritchie said the changes to the Bentall Centre should create a significant number of new jobs.
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