Thai restaurant chain Hot Pot is to make its debut in the UK, in London’s Soho, MCA understands.
The concept, which is listed on the Thai stock exchange and operates over 140 sites, is believed to have secured the former Morden & Lea site at 17 Wardour Street for its UK debut.
Its international expansion push is being led by a subsidiary of the Thai Factory Development group, the Taechaubol family-owned business, which acquired a 10% stake in Hot Pot in October last year.
Hot Pot currently operates its eponymous brand, plus the Daidomon and Signature Steak Loft concepts.
The Thai Factory Development group is looking to foster Hot Pot’s growth in Thailand, further ASEAN countries and Europe.
Founder Apichai Taechaubol previously operated the Signor Sassi brand and is working with Burger & Lobster to introduce the concept into Thailand later this year.
Morden & Lea closed last year, a year after it was launched by chef Mark Sargeant.
The two-storey restaurant, named after London cartographers Robert Morden and Philip Lea, opened on Wardour Street with Daniel Mertl, formerly of Chez Bruce, The Savoy and La Gavroche, as head chef.
