Haidilao, China’s largest hot pot restaurant chain, has officially opened its first site in the UK outside of London at its flagship destination, Hammerson-owned Bullring & Grand Central.
Haidilao is the unrivaled leader in hot pot restaurants globally and has grown rapidly since it launched in Sichuan province, China almost three decades ago. The brand now boasts restaurants in major cities from New York and Sydney to Bangkok and Toronto.
The new 8,073 sq ft restaurant at Bullring & Grand Central demonstrates the strength of Birmingham’s gastronomy scene, which has attracted some of the UK’s best chefs and international restaurant brands.
The restaurant caters to 259 covers, with customers choosing their own ingredients to cook in a central hot pot uniquely fitted into their table. The focus on hospitality sets it apart, with customers offered complimentary experiences such as manicures and gifts before and after they dine.
A spokesperson for Haidilao commented,“Birmingham’s diverse demographic made it an ideal location for the first Haidilao site outside of the capital.
“Positioned in the heart of the UK’s second city, Bullring & Grand Central has an exciting line-up of cuisines from around the world and we are happy to be in such brilliant company.”
Harry Badham, Hammerson's Chief Development & Asset Repositioning Officer, said, “Birmingham is one of the youngest, most culturally diverse and vibrant cities in the UK. The emerging customer demand for new and diverse dining concepts has never been higher and we are delighted to be partnering with Haidilao to open their first restaurant outside London.”
The food and beverage offering at Bullring & Grand Central is one of the most diverse in the city underpinned by high quality retail and leisure brands like Selfridges and Treetop Adventure Golf.
The flagship destination transformed Birmingham city centre when it was developed and is now at the heart of the city’s cultural and arts programme, which this year included Birmingham Weekender, B-Side Hip-Hop Festival, Pride and Bandstand Live.