Seemor
Haidilao Hot Pot at The O2B?Proceed Cautiously
Unit 7.0.9, The O2, London SE10 0DX
· Hot pot restaurant, Asian restaurant, Chinese restaurant
· 4.9/5 Google (6286 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
High-energy chain hot pot with standout hospitality and birthday theatrics, excellent for groups and first-timers, but expect rules on the buffet, queues at peak times, and an auto service charge.
Why it gets a B? for overall quality
⚠️ Review concerns: This assessment reflects moderate uncertainty due to questionable review patterns. See details in Authenticity Assessment. Haidilao Hot Pot delivers solid execution across food quality and service attentiveness, with staff consistently guiding first-timers through broths and customization. However, consistency shows variability during peak event times, and moderate authenticity concerns create some uncertainty in review reliability. The venue excels as a festive group dining destination with lively atmosphere, but operational constraints—long waits, strict buffet policies, and extra charges—prevent it from reaching higher-grade territory.
Restaurant Summary
Inside The O2, the room feels warm and bustling with servers orchestrating hot pot how-tos, birthday songs, and the occasional noodle dance. Expect a chorus of staff shout-outs—guests often say things like, "Our server made us feel instantly at ease,"—but also brace for peak-time queues when events are on. However, there are moderate authenticity concerns suggesting some reviews may be solicited or influenced. The cooking leans elevated traditional hot pot: tomato and mala broths, fresh sliced meats, tofu, and veg, plus a sauce bar that lets you dial flavors up or down. The culinary approach is contemporary service around classic hot pot: experience-driven and customizable rather than experimental for its own sake. For families, the vibe is festive and forgiving. Tomato broth, rice, and hand-pulled noodles are easy wins, though boiling pots and a 90-minute buffet clock mean active supervision. Reviews mention a sauce bar charge and strict leftover rules—factor that in if kids nibble slowly or change their minds.
At a Glance
- Friendly, proactive servers who guide first-timers
- Lively birthday atmosphere and noodle dance add fun
- Long waits at peak times even with reservations
- Strict buffet policy with reported leftover fines
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- birthday_performance_culture
- sauce_and_dessert_bar
- live_noodle_dance
- event_venue_convenience
What People Love
- Staff who anticipate needs and explain everything
- Rich tomato and spicy mala broths
- Birthday decor and celebratory energy
- Good value during promotions or set menus
- Consistent freshness of sliced meats and vegetables
Points of Concern
- Event-night waits can exceed an hour even with bookings; plan buffer time
- Buffet has timing limits and strict leftover fines reported by multiple diners
- Service charge is added and can feel high to those expecting self-serve
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (name clusters, templated replies, on-site prompts) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- For innovation 6+: some items and spice levels may challenge conservative palates
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£42-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose Tomato + Mala as a split to satisfy mixed spice tolerances
- Add tofu skin and lotus root for texture contrast
- End with hand-pulled noodles to soak up remaining broth
Perfect For
- Pre-show group dinners at The O2
- Birthday celebrations with decorations and songs
- First-time hot pot learners who want guidance
- Students and friend groups chasing lively vibes
Location Insights
Area: Large entertainment complex setting drawing event-goers, students, and groups; lively and convenience-focused.
Safety: Generally safe, well-patrolled event venue environment with heavy foot traffic.
Nearby: Inside The O2 with arena events, cinema, and outlet shopping; lines spike before/after shows.
GreenwichGreenwich offers a mix of historic charm and contemporary lifestyle with a strong focus on tourism, entertainment, and dining. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, often frequented by visitors to the O2 Arena and local residents enjoying the riverside atmosphere.
The O2The O2 is a major entertainment complex featuring music venues, bars, restaurants, and leisure facilities. It attracts a lively crowd primarily attending concerts and events, creating a dynamic and bustling dining environment with a variety of casual and mid-range dining options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–22:00
Friday11:30–22:30
Saturday11:00–22:30
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →