MAKI & RAMEN NOODLES ITS WAY INTO THE O2 FOR FIRST LONDON OPENING

The O2, the world’s most popular live entertainment, leisure, and retail destination, has announced the opening of Japanese hospitality concept, Maki & Ramen. This marks the operator’s first London opening amidst a growing demand for Japanese cuisine in the capital.

Maki & Ramen has opened its London debut in a 1,991 sq ft unit within The O2’s Entertainment District, joining the likes of Gaucho, HaiDiLao, Las Iguanas, Five Guys, and KFC, and strengthening the destination’s diverse dining offer. The restaurant has 70 covers and delivers a menu of accessible, high-quality Asian food, ranging from their signature Tonkotsu Ramen to premium-quality sushi.

Alistair Wood, Executive VP of Real Estate & Development at AEG International, commented: “F&B has always been an integral part of The O2’s core offer, and we’re constantly on the lookout how we can maintain the diversity of our F&B offerings, aligning closely with consumer preferences and trends. Welcoming Maki & Ramen to The O2 for its first site here in London is a true testament to the strong reputation of our destination and our agile leasing approach.”

Originally launching in 2015, Maki & Ramen has been on an extensive expansion plan in recent years, fuelled by the rising popularity of Japanese cuisine in the UK. Recent data from the NIQ Food Insights survey revealed that the proportion of consumers eating Japanese food out of home increased to 37% from 28% in 2025, demonstrating a clear market on the rise. This latest opening reflects The O2’s continued ability to understand and respond to evolving consumer demands.

Michael Anthony Salvador, COO at Maki & Ramen, added: “The O2 is exactly what we were looking for in a London location. It has strong footfall, a complementary tenant mix, and a stellar reputation. This is a significant step for us on the path to expansion, and we’re off to a strong start here at The O2 as we begin to build our portfolio across the capital.”

Maki & Ramen’s opening follows on from a record-breaking 2025 for The O2, which saw F&B sales up 9% vs 2024, and the destination, inclusive of leisure and outlet shopping too, up 12%. This success is on track to continue with The O2 set to welcome the UK debut for Guinness World Records later this year. It has taken 25,000 sq ft on the lower level, continuing to reinforce The O2’s position as one of the most sought-after retail, leisure, and F&B locations in the UK.