Haidilao Hot Pot Birmingham (next to St. Martin's Church) — Restaurant in Birmingham

Having been to this Haidilao three times now it's clear to me that they are passionate about getting things right. Having only opened in September/October 2021, they're working hard to meet the high standards expected from a Haidilao restaurant.

On my first visit just days after the restaurant opened they pretty much met these expectations; although there were some nice touches missing like giving glasses wipes to spectacled guests and forgetting to sing happy birthday to my now wife, the waitress we had on this visit was incredibly attentive, preparing some of our dishes for us at our table, always making sure our glasses were filled, and generally being a great host. Overall, first visit was deserving of 4 out of five stars when compared to other Haidilao restaurants (but compared to other non-Haidilao restaurants it would have been 5 out of 5).

My second visit was in December for my birthday, I took my family hoping to impress them with the service at Haidilao, but unfortunately the service during this visit was probably below average even when compared to other non-restaurants, so compared to other Haidilao restaurants it deserved a 2 out of 5... It would have been a 1 out of 5 if I hadn't enjoyed their singing happy birthday to me. Our glasses ran empty and the waitress stood by as each member of my family got up and helped ourselves to the jug of water one by one. This wouldn't happen in other Haidilao restaurants and in fact they'd insist that you let them fill your glass as part of the service. Dirty plates were left to pile up so there wasn't enough room. Also, and most importantly for me was that they were sold out of their hand pulled noodles, a signature dish of Haidilao. This wouldn't have been so bad of they'd called to let me know since I did have a reservation, I could have decided whether I still wanted to go or not... I almost walked out, I later wished I had.

However, on my most recent visit today, they'd addressed all of my concerns from the previous visit and even started offering glasses wipes to the spectacled guests. Glasses were kept topped up, food was prepared at the table once more, dirty plates were taken away. The waitress (I believe her name was Sandra) went to great effort to make sure that everything was right with our meals. The friends that I went with this time brought their young baby with them and the restaurant even gave them gifts, something which I have seen in other Haidilao restaurants, so it's good to see this delightful service here in the UK too. This time the service was 5 out of 5, good, even for a Haidilao! I hope that the restaurant can keep this standard up, and deliver it...

Overall disappointing dining experience. The food was Ok but the selection was somewhat limited.

Service was poor, came across rude, did not explain processes clearly. When we chased about our kung fu noodle order (order status was delayed) we were told In condescending tone we needed to notify them in person we're ready despite ordering on system as instructed. When I said could we cancel it then as had waited c 40mins already and was keen to hit the shops we were rudely told we must finish the food, must finish food or she will fine us. Firstly, we are well aware of their T&Cs, had finished 90% plus of the food at this moment with the intention of finishing remaining 10% without her barking orders and threats at us. Secondly, we did not appreciate her attitude blaming us for the unreasonable waiting time of kung fu noodles, no apology offered and continued to bark we must finish our food or be fined.

Eventually the kung fu noodles did arrive (after a further 10-15mins wait). He was amazing, so engaging, entertaining and was real joy to watch him work the noodles.

Asked for bill as was mindful of time limit and another threat of further fines should we exceed our maximum seating time. This took circa 10mins to arrive as we painfully watched the clock ticking down.

To summarise, good concept, fun robot servers and kung fu noodle prepped at your table was real treat. Shame it was let down by our a very rude server, who does not understand the basic rules of customer service, comes across condescending, did not explain processes clearly and seems to like to bark orders and threats of fines!

We make sure we finished everything, paid and departed our table to comply with the T&Cs to avoid any fines as did not want to give her the satisfaction of issuing it.

This is the second establishment ever I have left a poor review and not tipped (on top of service charge applied) as I was totally appalled by the whole experience due to this rude and unprofessional server. The birthday meal was ruined, we advice all diners to beware n make sure u brush up on T&Cs in case you have the misfortune to...

Just Wow, this restaurant was an experience from the time you enter until you leave, you are well taken care of.

I would advise to book as they are very busy. I made a booking for 2 for dinner, no buffets etc. Upon arrival you are greeted warmly and were asked to wait as we were early. In the waiting area they have hot honey lemon water, coffee, sweets, little snacks, also a staff member comes round and offers you more. There are board games, and dramas on the TV. We were seated maybe 15 mins after our booking, but they gave us the tablet to start looking at what we wanted and told us how it works.

We were taken to our seats upstairs, every single staff member we saw greeted us as we walked to our table. Our waiter was Alex who just a delightful young man and provided us with an excellent service. He explained everything.

We ordered the quarter pot with 4 soup bases, me like an idiot ordered the one that was super spicy I couldn't handle it but the flavour was actually so good. All the bases were flavoursome and you could then add your own seasonings from the seasoning table. They had everything, tissues for runny noses from all the spice, lens wipes for when your glasses steam up, it was great.

We tried some Chinese liquors they were great, we had a lamb and beef quartet with some other extra sides Everything was great, it's a really fun dining experience, preparing your own food to your liking.

It can work out quite costly if you want a lot but if there are more people it's quite cosy effective. I knew what to expect so I wasn't too worried. Spent just under £120 for 2 people with food and drinks and sides.

They also did a happy birthday table for us as I said it was cousins bday.

My only disappointment but I won't mark them down for this is that we ordered the kungfu spaghetti, however the guy did not do any theatrics, he just plonked the noodle In our base so it had not even been stretched. I thought maybe because it was busy they were not doing it, but shortly after the table next to us got the service.

But hey, overall it was a great experience and I will definitely...