London’s Sichuan hotpot scene is set for growth as Da Long Yi, the premium Chinese hotpot brand, eyes further UK openings after a successful first year in Soho.
Since launching its first UK restaurant in late 2023, Da Long Yi London has impressed diners with authentic Sichuan-style hotpot and bold regional flavours, quickly building a dedicated following among local guests and London’s Chinese community alike.
Weekend services have frequently reached full capacity, reflecting robust demand for immersive and high-quality Chinese dining in the capital.
Expansion plans gather pace
The brand is now planning a second London site, with several promising Soho and wider-London locations under consideration. While the capital remains the immediate focus, Da Long Yi is evaluating opportunities for future openings in major cities including Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh as part of a medium-term UK roadmap.
Kris, master franchisee for Da Long Yi UK, says the early performance has exceeded expectations and demonstrated a clear appetite for regional Chinese cuisine at scale. Looking ahead, the operator believes Da Long Yi could develop into a multi-site brand across the UK, with potential for eight to 12 restaurants nationwide over the coming years.
What sets Da Long Yi apart
Da Long Yi has carved out a point of difference through its full-table hotpot experience, premium ingredients and theatrical presentation - hallmarks of the brand’s global identity. Guests cook at the table in the Sichuan tradition, choosing from fiery broths and a wide array of specialist ingredients that showcase the depth of the cuisine.
Operating costs and supply chain complexities - particularly sourcing authentic ingredients that meet UK standards - have presented challenges in London. However, these have been offset by overwhelmingly positive customer feedback and repeat bookings, highlighting both the concept’s resonance and the broader interest in regional Chinese dining formats.
A growing category
Da Long Yi’s UK trajectory arrives amid rising prominence for Chinese and hotpot dining in London, with critics and diners alike spotlighting its spicy broths and engaging table-side experience as standout elements in the city’s diverse restaurant landscape.
As Da Long Yi progresses its expansion plans, the brand is positioning itself as a noteworthy contender in the premium casual dining sector, offering an alternative to more mainstream Asian concepts and catering to evolving tastes for immersive, regional-led Chinese cuisine.
