Baker & Spice, Pizza Express, Brotzeit Open at The Grand Summit, Liangmaqiao

The Grand Summit complex next to the Liangmaqiao Diplomatic Residence Compound on the northeast corner of Liangmaqiao intersection has recently had a bit of a face lift, and the shiny new plaza is now home to several major chain restaurants, including the first Beijing branch of Baker & Spice. 

Based in Shanghai, Baker & Spice supplies breads and cakes to parent chain, Wagas - so if you're familiar with Wagas, you'll already have a good sense of what's on offer here. Also of interest, they directly import wines from both the old and new world, offering an interest selection at some pretty unbeatable prices. 

Round the corner is the first Beijing branch of another Shanghai-based chain, Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant. The clue to Brotzeit's offering is in the name - their own draft beers and classic German dishes like schnitzel and pork knuckle. They currently have a lunch deal for RMB 78 featuring some of those classic German dishes plus a starter and soft drink.  

Finally, there is the third (possibly fourth ...) branch of British pizza chain, Pizza Express. Launched in the UK in 1965, Pizza Express specializes in crispy-chewy Roma-style pizza bases. We are big fans of the rectangular Calabrese, topped with spicy salami and nduja sausage. They opened their first branch in Taikoo Li last year, followed by a second branch at Dongzhimen Raffles City earlier this year.

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Photos: Robynne Tindall