It’s well documented that the food and beverage sector in the UK is currently facing a number of headwinds, with changing consumer demands influencing dining habits and shaping where people choose to eat out. Couple this with the sheer amount of choice in the London F&B market and it’s clear why a number of operators are experiencing difficulties.

However, there’s one particular market defying the odds: Asian cuisine in London is thriving. We’ve seen operators from across the continent actively seeking opportunities for new sites in the UK capital. With Asia being home to a diverse culture that offers a tantalising mix of delicious food, it’s not hard to see why there is a such appetite for the likes of dim sum and bao buns in the UK right now.

High profile arrivals from brands Din Tai Fung and Hai Di Lao are leading the way, with the latter opening its first European site in the Trocadero at Piccadilly Circus over the summer. The popular Chinese hot pot chain already operates hundreds of domestic restaurants, as well as sites in Seoul, Singapore and New York’s Times Square. Following its European debut it’s now looking for sites elsewhere in the UK and on the continent, with forthcoming openings planned for Frankfurt and other key European cities.  

Savills research shows that so far this year, eight F&B brands from Asia have entered the London market, suggesting that despite the challenges within casual dining, Asian operators remain undeterred and still consider London to be a key destination for their brands.

Another Chinese hot pot chain, Happy Lamb, has taken space for its first UK site in Holborn, Taiwanese Monga Fried Chicken opened its debut London site in Chinatown, and Japanese coffee chain % Arabica recently opened in Covent Garden with another outlet planned for  Broadway Market later this year.

So what makes London so appealing to Asian F&B brands? Firstly, London retains its status as one of the world's key tourist destinations, with visitors continuing to flock to the capital all year round, including a substantial number of tourists from across Asia. Therefore, Asian operators know that there will already be a customer base in London that recognises the brand, even when initially it may be unfamiliar to others.

In addition, London benefits from being one of the most high profile cities globally, making it an opportunistic choice of location for brands looking to build their global presence. Furthermore, London can often be seen as a test bed for new ideas – if you get it right in London you can then translate and develop your concept elsewhere in Europe.

The appeal of entering the London market isn’t limited to Asian brands, however. There has also been a significant number of total international F&B entrants into the UK capital this year, with Savills research showing that the number is set to exceed that seen in 2018.

Given the ongoing uncertainty in the UK, it’s positive to see that brands from across, Asia, Europe and the US still continue to see London as a key destination and we look forward to welcoming (and sampling!) them as they open their sites.

Further information

Contact Savills Leisure