Wudaoying Hutong Institutions Stuff'd and Arrow Factory Taproom to Close Tomorrow, Go out with a Bang

Anna Pellegrin Hartley | Oct 19, 2018 4:41 pm | Add a comment | 3689 reads

In a sad, if not altogether unexpected development, both microbrewery Arrow Factory Taproom and popular British-style pub grub restaurant Stuff'd will close their doors for good this weekend.

The closure of the side-by-side institutions, both owned by Will Yorke (also owner of Arrow's sister branch in Liangmaqiao, which is still going strong, and the now-shuttered Vineyard Café) was announced today by the Arrow Factory WeChat account.

READ: Will Yorke Reveals His Boozy Escapades

"We are very sad to announce that Saturday, Oct 20 will be the last day of operation for both Arrow Factory Taproom and Stuff'd," the post said. To mark the occasion, they will be holding a goodbye party tomorrow, with discounts on beer, cider, and meals.

The popular hutong haunts both appear to have finally fallen victim to the urban beautification strategy colloquially known as "The Great Brickening." Indeed, the entranceway of Stuff'd was first bricked up way back in August of last year. When we reported at the time, Will was determined to keep his popular eatery open for as long as possible, a feat he has achieved with remarkable success, by funneling patrons in through a side entrance, and staving off the inevitable for a further 14 months. Given Arrow Taproom's physical proximity to, and dependency on Stuff'd, it comes as no surprise that the popular suds place is also closing.

Speaking to the Beijinger, Yorke says, "It’s super sad for me as there are so many memories tangled up in the place and I’m sure it’s the same for people who frequented over the years," going on to explain the reason for the closure: "The location was a victim of the same changes to regulations regarding public housing as commercial properties. The bricking up of the façade was the beginning of the end, but we also had a neighbor who would make a bed for her husband on the tables and smash all the glassware if anyone was there past 10pm, so we won’t be missing her. And I guess she won’t be missing us."

Speaking about the newly rejigged Arrow Factory Liangmahe, which has recently foregone its onsite brewing equipment for additional space on the ground floor, Yorke says that a smaller setup may soon return: "The downstairs space gives us more room for events and a larger kitchen means we are able to expand the menu and provide more selection. On the strength of that, we were able to bring back elements of Vineyard Café, with regard to the food and an increased wine selection, with Arrow Factory providing the beer."

"In essence, the Liangmahe location is a collaboration of Vineyard Café, Stuff’d, and Arrow Factory Brewing. I am looking at putting some small fermenters on the first floor with a small mashing system so we can do some small batch mixed fermentation beers and play around with new recipe ideas," Yorke adds.

As for the future, Yorke says that they will continue to look for a new spot but that it might not be until after winter until something solid comes to fruition. Given the positive feedback that the Liangmahe venue is receiving regarding their vegan dishes, Yorke says: "I am tempted to open a purely vegan restaurant, bar, café, but again that requires a space and ideally some money. It would also be nice to have a new spot for Stuff’d."

Sad news for hutong rats, but if you don't like it, you can get Stuff'd. Literally. Join the crew tomorrow (Saturday, Oct 20) from 11.30am-10pm for RMB 10 off all beers and cider and RMB 50 sausage meals all day, as well as a free keg of beer from noon-1pm and 5-6pm.