The O2 sizzles with launch of Hai Di Lao Hot Pot's second European site

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot, China’s biggest hot pot restaurant brand, has officially launched at The O2. The new addition joins over 30 restaurants and bars under The O2’s world famous roof.   

Marking Hai Di Lao Hot Pot’s second site in Europe, the new restaurant is situated on the lower level of The O2, and spans across an 8,200 sq ft space with a 2,800 sq ft mezzanine. The brand’s latest restaurant hosts 212 covers and joins the line up of international cuisine within The O2’s unrivalled food and beverage hub including, US vegan brand by CHLOE and Australian restaurant and bar concept, Butcher and the Farmer, who both opened last year. 

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot

Founded in Sichuan Provence in 1994, the brand now has more than 700 directly operated restaurants in over 115 cities. Hai Di LaoHot Pot is internationally renowned for its authentic Chinese-style hot pot cuisine and distinctive style of exceptional customer service. Diners are served premium vegetables, meat and noodles which are then added to a wide selection of broth soup bases. 

Speaking on behalf of AEG and Crosstree, Marion Dillon, Leasing Director for Icon Outlet and The O2 commented: “Hai Di Lao Hot Pot is a dynamic entrant to our portfolio, and a fantastic addition to have on offer as we gradually welcome back visitors to our 360 degree experience at The O2. Hot pot culture is a huge trend in the UK, and we are delighted to be selected as one of the first sites in Europe by such a globally acclaimed operator. 

“Hai Di Lao Hot Pot provides the sense of theatre and sociability in dining which the public have missed during lockdown, and we look forward to delivering this concept with health and safety remaining front of mind for all our staff and visitors.”  

A spokesperson at Hai Di Lao Hot Pot said: “It is exciting to be opening our doors at such an iconic London location which shares our ambition for rapid and ambitious growth. Positioned just 20 minutes from Central London and with such a breadth of dining, retail and leisure under one roof, The O2 provides the perfect setting for our second restaurant in Europe. We look forward to getting to know more of our UK customers, and delivering our second-to-none hot pot experience.” 

The launch of Hai Di Lao Hot Pot follows the recent news that TOCA Social has signed for a 30,000 sq ft space at The O2; TOCA is due to open their interactive football and entertainment venue in summer 2021. Both brands complement the day-out destination offer at The O2 for families, friends and couples this summer. Up at The O2, the 90 minute roofwalk, which is suitable for ages 8+ has reopened with reduced capacity climbs offering an exhilarating view from the top of The O2.  Oxygen Freejumping trampoline park, Hollywood Bowl, London’s largest cinema with a 19 screen Cineworld multiplex and KickTown, the world’s first technology-led football challenge experience, are all set to reopen later this month.

Lunson Mitchenall are the leasing agents for Food & Beverage and Leisure at The O2.

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