Hakkasan
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant, Hospitality, Nightlife |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Alan Yau |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Area served | Worldwide (North America, Europe, Asia, Northern Africa) |
| Products | Cantonese cuisine, Nightclubs, Dayclubs, Hospitality services |
Number of employees | 61 establishments (2020) |
| Parent | Tao Group Hospitality (since 2021) |
Hakkasan is a chain specializing in Cantonese cuisine, established in London in 2001 by Alan Yau, who is also recognized for founding Wagamama and Yauatcha. The restaurant merges contemporary Cantonese dishes with an elegant Western dining ambiance. Initially serving as the flagship entity of the Hakkasan Group, it later diversified into hospitality and entertainment sectors, including the launch of a nightclub in Las Vegas.
By 2020, the Hakkasan Group managed 61 establishments across 22 different regions. The COVID-19 pandemic forced several closures, after which Tao Group Hospitality acquired Hakkasan. This transaction was arranged through Tao’s former parent company, Madison Square Garden Entertainment, prior to PokerStars founder Mark Scheinberg purchasing Madison Square Garden’s ownership share.
History
The first Hakkasan location debuted in April 2001 at Hanway Place, London, setting itself apart through upscale Cantonese cuisine and an interior designed by Christian Liaigre that fused modern design with traditional Chinese influences. This distinctive design concept has been implemented in other outlets.
In January 2008, Yau divested majority ownership of both Hakkasan and Yauatcha to Tasameem Real Estate, an investment firm based in Abu Dhabi. The brand expanded swiftly, opening a second London venue on Bruton Street in Mayfair in 2010, with seating capacity for up to 220 patrons. Additional restaurants followed in cities including New York City, San Francisco, Miami, Shanghai, Mumbai, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Jakarta—bringing the total number of locations worldwide to twelve.
The Hakkasan Group also introduced sister venues under the Ling Ling name in Marrakesh, Mykonos, Mexico City, and Oslo (which opened in April 2017). In April 2018, Hakkasan collaborated with Grupo Vidanta to develop venues such as Omnia Dayclub in Mexico. Partnerships extended to Indonesia with KAJA Group and Alila Hotels for dayclub projects, alongside plans for further growth into Saudi Arabia. The group has also indicated ambitions to enter the boutique hotel sector.
The financial challenges brought on by COVID-19 resulted in the permanent closure of Hakkasan’s San Francisco restaurant in May 2020 and later its New York City location within the same year.
Hakkasan Las Vegas
In 2013, Hakkasan joined forces with Angel Management Group to open its inaugural nightclub at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This expansive five-story venue spans 80,000 square feet and can host nearly 7,500 guests. It features internationally renowned DJs such as Calvin Harris, Hardwell, Nervo, and Tiësto, some of whom maintain regular residencies. Performers like Tiësto command nightly fees ranging from $150,000 to $300,000.
Rankings
The original Hakkasan restaurant on Hanway Place in London was awarded its first Michelin star in January 2003, marking it as the first Chinese establishment in the UK to receive this honor. The second site in Mayfair gained a Michelin star in 2012; however, both locations lost their stars by 2024. Between 2004 and 2009, Hakkasan was featured annually in Restaurant magazine’s global list of The World's 50 Best Restaurants, achieving its highest rankings at 14th place in 2004 and 19th place in 2008.
In the realm of nightlife, Hakkasan’s Las Vegas club was ranked third on DJ Magazine’s Top 100 clubs list for the year 2015.
Hakkasan Group brands
By the year 2020, Hakkasan Group had established venues throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. Prior to its acquisition by Tao Group Hospitality in 2021, its collection of brands encompassed:
Restaurants
- Ling Ling
- Yautcha
- Hakkasan
- Searsucker
- Sake no Hana
- Herringbone
- Casa Calavera
Nightlife and daylife
- 1OAK
- Omnia
- Hakkasan Nightclub
- Level Up
- Jewel
- Wet Republic
- Liquid Pool Lounge
In popular culture
The film About A Boy included a feature on Hakkasan.