Beloved restaurant chain closes after 20 years leaving fans 'heartbroken'

Metro

a day ago

London restaurant chain Ping Pong has closed down after more than two decades on the high street.
The dim sum specialists, founded in Soho in 2004, had 13 branches at their peak before slimming down to four more recently.
These were located on South Bank, near St Paul's Cathedral, Marylebone and Soho's Great Marlborough Street.
Bosses did not give a reason for the decision, which comes three years after they appointed administrators and revealed the company had racked up considerable debt over the Covid pandemic.
In a statement posted on social media, the firm said: 'It's a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed.
'We're incredibly proud of what we built, an independent hospitality brand full of creativity, flavour, and soul.
'To everyone who joined us over the years, for dim sum dates, happy hours, bottomless brunches, and just-because catch-ups — thank you.
'You shared your moments with us, passed around little parcels of deliciousness, and helped make Ping Pong what it was.
'To our collaborators, suppliers, and the incredible team who kept the steam going, thank you.'
Loyal fans reacted with disappointment, with one user commenting: 'This is really sad to hear.
'The menu did change a lot after Covid which did lose some of its authentic charm but I'm still gutted.'
Metro's Patrycja Zaras said: 'I'm genuinely heartbroken, I absolutely loved this place.
'I used to take all my friends and family there and over time it became the backdrop for so many memories. Ever since a colleague casually introduced me to it on a lunch break, I kept coming back.
'It was the kind of place you could always rely on for high-quality, comforting food that didn't break the bank. Whether I was running errands around Oxford Circus, weighed down with shopping bags or just in the area and craving their dim sum.
'It's rare to find a spot that feels both familiar and special and losing it honestly feels like the end of an era.'
Former Masterchef contestant Nisha Parmar, who is now a private chef, said: 'This is very very sad. Will be sorely missed.'
Founder Kurt Zdesar, who left the chain in 2007, said: 'The UK has become increasingly difficult to survive this current economical environment. Very sad news.'
The chain was taken over in 2013 by Art Sagiryan, whose father Igor was its main backer when it opened.
A deal arranged as part of the 2022 administration saw it sold to a new entity set up by its owners, with all staff transferred over.
The brand sparked controversy last year after banning customers from tipping staff using their card payments, allowing tips to be accepted only in cash form. More Trending
It replaced the 12.5% service fee with a new 15% 'brand fee' at the end of every bill which would go into the company's coffers.
Bosses said the money would be used to fund wage rises for all staff, claiming it would 'match earnings they would have received with service charge distribution'.
The Unite union said the 15% 'won't' go to workers, calling the claim 'completely disingenuous'.
Bosses backtracked after the backlash.
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