First announced in early 2020, the restaurant is located within a striking pavilion within the East London borough’s International Quarter London (IQL), a £2.4bn joint venture between Lendlease and regeneration specialist LCR that stands at the gateway to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The name ‘Haugen’ is tribute to an unsung hero of the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and a celebration of Stratford’s role in hosting the 2012 London Olympics.
In total the restaurant complex will have 544 covers. This includes a ground floor deli with grab and go counter, a casual ground floor restaurant featuring an indoor Winter Garden and large terrace, a first-floor dining room and cocktail bar with outdoor terrace and two private dining rooms, and then on the second floor, a rooftop bar with views of Stratford and the Olympic Park.
Haugen will have 100 covers outdoors split over a large ground floor terrace and first floor wrap around outdoor dining space.
Hospitality design studio, Afroditi Krassa is responsible for the design of Haugen. Founded in 2002 by product designer Afroditi Krassa, the studio has worked with operators including Dishoom and Heston Blumenthal.
The wooden structure of the building will be reminiscent of Alpine chalets. The structure of the building features large windows which will bathe diners in natural light through the day. At night, faux fur throws, intimate corners and warm lighting will aim to create a ‘fun and convivial ‘ambience.
“When you see Haugen coming out of Stratford Station on the way to the Olympic Park, it will certainly grab your attention,” says D&D CEO and chairman Des Gunewardena.
“The Pavilion is a remarkable building. Our restaurant and food concepts have been inspired by its architecture and location. For those Londoners who love their Alpine rostis and tartiflettes this will be a must go restaurant."
