A POPULAR restaurant chain has shuttered ALL of its UK locations as it ceases trading after 20 years.
Hungry customers were disappointed to learn one of their favourite dinner spots would be disappearing from the high street forever.
Ping Pong was hailed for its range of more than 40 dim sum options and affordable prices.
It was founded all the way back in 2005, by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, and 13 venues quickly popped up within four years.
Ping Pong’s success continued to soar, and at it’s height boasted 12 restaurants in London.
The company announced their sad closure in a message on Instagram.
“It’s a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed,” they said.
“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… It’s been sum-thing truly special.”
The move comes after the restaurant came under fire last year for changing its service charge to a 15 per cent discretionary ‘brand charge’.
Ping Pong also took a significant hit during the Covid pandemic, with trading losses of £1.4million in the year to March 2020.
Within two years, their locations had halved in number, and the firm went to administrators in a desperate bid to save the brand.
Begbies Traynor reported in 2022 the pandemic had caused “significant disruption” to the business.
This comes after an Italian restaurant chain faced the same fate and closed down all of its sites after nearly six years.
Officina 00 was a popular pasta joint with three locations across Covent Garden, Fitzrovia and Old Street.
It charged around £15 for posh pasta dishes such as curly pappardelle and killer bucatini.
Owner Elia Sebregondi took to Instagram last week to share news that the business was no more.
He said: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Officina 00 restaurants have now permanently closed.
“I have done everything in my power to overcome the many challenges faced in the last few months, but despite all efforts I have been forced to close down.”
The news left diners heartbroken with many describing it as a “big loss”.
Chains have been struggling recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses have also been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic.
As a result, a number of chains have been forced to close down or reduce their estate.
Chick ‘n’ Sours has also closed its remaining restaurants in Haggerston and Seven Dials in London.
And, the branch of a famous fast food chain is set to shut its doors after being “forced into liquidation” with £400k debt.
The unique restaurant went viral back in 2022 with its performative staff being purposely rude to guests.
Karen’s diner on White Lion Street in London’s Islington will close at the end of June after trading for two years.
It’s the restaurant’s last remaining venue in the UK and is regularly described as one of the most memorable and bizarre dining experiences in the capital.
With their deliberately rude waiters, Karen’s has racked up millions of views on TikTok with clips of them insulting customers.
Their website describes it as an “absurdly fun experience” where you are “greeted and waited upon by rude waiters and forced to play a variety of stupid games”.
How to save money eating out
THERE are a number of ways that you can save money when eating out. Here's how:
Discount codes – Check sites like Sun Vouchers or VoucherCodes for any discount codes you can use to get money off your order.
Tastecard – This is a members club where you pay to have access to discounts worth up to 50 per cent off at thousands of restaurants. It costs £4.99 a month or £34.99 for the year.
Loyalty schemes – Some restaurants will reward you with discounts or a free meal if you register with their loyalty scheme, such as Nando’s where you can collect a stamp with every visit. Some chains like Pizza Express will send you discounts for special occasions, such as your birthday, if you sign up to their newsletter.
Voucher schemes – Look out for voucher schemes offered by third party firms, such as Meerkat Meals. If you compare and buy a product through CompareTheMarket.com then you’ll be rewarded with access to the discount scheme. You’ll get 2 for 1 meals at certain restaurants through Sunday to Thursday.
Student discounts – If you’re in full-time education or a member of the National Students Union then you may be able to get a discount of up to 15 per cent off the bill. It’s always worth asking before you place your order.
