The Entertainment District at The O₂, which is owned and operated by Waterfront Limited Partnership, a joint venture between AEG and Crosstree Real Estate Partners, has announced four new additions to the destination’s F&B line-up, welcoming two debut openings for Soukra and Trapdoor, and two signings for Haute Dolci and JD Wetherspoon. This latest wave of F&B news coincides with the Entertainment District celebrating exceptionally strong performance figures and continual success in the sector.

 

Soukra, the Mediterranean and middle-Eastern concept, is opening the brand’s first bricks and mortar site next week following a significant investment, bringing a unique blend of authentic flavours alongside The O₂’s line up of over 30 bars and restaurants. The 9,730 sq ft unit spans the ground floor, with mezzanine and garden spaces opening in the new year, and will serve 300 covers within a delicately crafted interior, designed and built by the Fiducia Interiors. Founded by Hamdi Bensalem and Sanj Nandhe, the debut restaurant boasts a tantalising menu featuring shakshuka, Andalusian lamb tajine and lamb kafta.

 

Trapdoor, the American bar and restaurant, has opened its 4,000 sq ft debut restaurant at the destination. The space has been designed by founder Annabella Salaf and boasts an eclectic mix of skateboard-led artwork and live DJ sets. Joining the Entertainment District’s strong and varied dining line-up, Trapdoor delivers an extensive cocktail and award-winning chef menu and is located on the lower ground level.

 

Set to join the two debuts in January 2023 is Haute Dolci, the luxurious sweet treat specialists. The 3100 sq ft space will bring a new culinary experience to The O₂, providing visitors with an essence of sweetness mixed with a winning combination of taste, appearance and quality.

 

Finally, JD Wetherspoon will open its nearly 8,000 sq ft space at The O₂ in early 2023. Named ‘The Stargazer’, the brand will be investing £3 million into the new pub, which will feature a 3,800 sq ft beer garden with views across the Thames and Canary Wharf. The Stargazer will create up to 70 jobs in the local area and be located adjacent to Mamma Mia! The Party.

 

These recent signings and openings coincide with strong performance figures seen by The O₂’s Entertainment District, with sales up by 13% in October and November 2022 vs the same months in 2019.

 

Sanj Nandhe, Founder of Soukra, commented on the opening: “We are delighted to be opening our doors within the Entertainment District at The O₂. As a former multi-unit franchisee for the world’s largest pizza group and with over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality sector, I immediately recognised the outstanding opportunity the destination presented. We have witnessed The O₂’s Entertainment District grow and evolve and we are very pleased to be opening our debut site within such an iconic venue.”

 

Janine Constantin-Russell, Managing Director at Icon Outlet at The O₂ and the Entertainment District added: “We have well and truly cemented our reputation as a well-rounded, day-to-night destination with the addition of these debut openings and new signings. We have had a fantastic year and have worked hard to put in the groundwork to create and deliver an unrivalled destination, which is reflected in our strong performance over the last few months. I’m very proud to represent a destination that encompasses the very best of F&B, leisure and retail and I’m excited for what next year brings .”

 

This news follows the recent addition of three British independents to Icon Outlet at The O₂ – TOG24, Raging Bull, and Luke 77 – adding to The O₂’s wider diverse offering and specifically the outlet shopping destination’s line up of over 60 premium retail brands.

 

The Entertainment District at The O₂ dealt with Lunson Mitchenall. Soukra dealt direct.