2025 Year-in-Review: Places We Bid Goodbye To
It's nearing the end of 2025 and so begins our 2025 Year-in-Review series. We're starting off with the bad news first (don't worry, good news will follow) as we take a look back at some of the places and businesses around Beijing that unfortunately closed their doors.
The Rug Sanlitun and Wangfujing
Two branches of longstanding Beijing dining spot The Rug shut in January: both its Sanlitun Courtyard No. 4 location and its Wangfujing branch. Thankfully, The Rug's Chaoyang Park branch survives, where you can get their array of all-day brunch dishes, Western fare and the ever-popular Mapo Tofu Pizza.
The Rug Chaoyang Park
Bldg 4, Lishui Jiayuan, Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳公园南路丽水嘉园4号楼
Hours: Sun-Thu, 10am-8pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-9pm
Phone: 010 6325 7152
La Pizza Shangdu SOHO
La Pizza closed its Shangdu SOHO branch and the space was taken over by Italian eatery SÌPASTA, which relocated to this new spot from their previous location in the Grand Summit. La Pizza's Solana branch is still in operation, serving up their signature Neapolitan-style pizzas, pasta and other Italian delights.
La Pizza Solana
SA-48, Bldg 3, Solana Mall, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾国际商区3号楼SA-48
Hours: 11am-10pm
Phone: 010 5905 6106
Jing-A Hopson One
Jing-A also closed one of its branches this year, with its Hopson One branch shutting down in February. A post on their official WeChat stated that the closure was due to the expiration of the lease. We've also heard that they may be closing their Xingfucun branch at the end of this year, however they have yet to make an official announcement on their WeChat. Despite this news, Jing-A still has numerous branches in the capital and even opened up a new Jing-A Brewing Hub in the CBD's Zhongjun World City this year.
Aotu Space
After over ten years in the capital, Aotu Space shut its doors on Mar 30. Owner Ray Wu told the Beijinger that the lease expired and that they decided not to renew it. When we interviewed Wu back in June, he told us that they were actively looking for a new location; however, as of yet, there has been no update on whether a new space has been found.
Mosto
At the end of August, Mosto announced that it would be closing its doors after 18 years in the capital. Opened back in 2008 by longtime Beijing expat Eva Biörck, her husband, Molina, and business partner chef Daniel Urdaneta, over the years, Mosto became a stalwart in Beijing's F&B industry. The space it formerly occupied in Mix Island has now been taken over by Nesto, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant opened by the same team behind Bistro 108.
Circle Urban Sanyuanqiao
In July, Circle Urban closed down its flagship Sanyuanqiao store and relocated its operations to ONSITEEE on Xinghuo Xilu. Owner Yan Long told the Beijinger that the move would allow them to serve more barbecue options and that it also give them some scope for other expansion plans. Along with the ONSITEEE location, Circle Urban's other branches, Circle Burger in the CBD and Circle Taproom in Haidian, are still in operation.
ONSITEEE
106-108 1/F, East Side Courtyard, 16 Nanshiliju, Xinghuo Xilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区星火西路南十里居十六号院东侧院1楼106-108号
Hours: Sun-Thu, 11am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 11am-1am
Phone: 178 0139 0601
TRIBE Nutrition
In October, TRIBE Nutrition announced that it would be closing its physical Solana store and ceasing their delivery operations. In their WeChat closure announcement, they state that the decision was a difficult one to make and that “we may see each other again,” so there is some hope that they could reopen at some point in the future.
CHEERS Sanyuanqiao
At the end of October, CHEERS shut down their Sanyuanqiao store, a space they had occupied for ten years. However, it wasn't all bad news, with co-owner Claudia Masüger stating in the closure announcement that “We are already exploring several exciting opportunities for a new CHEERS home, and we'll keep you updated as soon as we've signed a new location.” CHEERS has yet to announce any further news on a new location, but you can follow their official WeChat: CHEERSWines for any updates. CHEERS' other locations, of course, are also all open, so you can still get your CHEERS fix at one of their numerous other stores.
Migas Mercado
Perhaps the biggest shock closure of the year, Migas Mercado announced that it would be shutting down on Nov 11, after 15 years in the capital. In a WeChat post they stated that “rising costs forced our hand” as the reason for the closure. Over the years, Migas became renowned for their sumptuous Spanish and Mediterranean offerings, curated by head chef Miguel Zapata. However, it was perhaps their epic DJ nights and massive terrace parties that were the biggest draw, seeing them collaborate with groups like Natural Flavor, LTN, WILDKATS and more.
Bollywood Tales
Finally, the most recent closure is that of Dastaan's Bollywood Tales, which announced it would be closing on Dec 13. Owner Rabiul Baksh told the Beijinger that the closure was due to “a decrease in customer traffic over the last few months. This has made it increasingly challenging to maintain the operational costs at this branch.” Luckily, Dastaan's other three branches (Dastaan, Rabiul's Kitchen and Mumbai Impression) remain open, so you can still head to one of these spots to get some of their delicious, authentic Indian offerings.
Dastaan
3/F, Sanlitun SOHO Bldg 5, 8 Gongrentiyuchang Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工人体育场北路8号三里屯SOHO5号上场3层
Hours: 11.30am-11pm
Phone: 150 0135 8663
Rabiul's Kitchen
Bldg 31, Dashanzi Beili, Jiuxianqiao Jiedao, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥街道大山子北里31号楼
Hours: 11am-11pm
Phone: 137 1844 0102
Mumbai Impression by Dastaan
2068, 2/F, Wanda Plaza Dongba Nanerjie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东坝南二街万达广场2层2068号
Hours: 11am-11pm
Phone: 158 0102 7664
READ: Four Things for the Week Ahead in Beijing (Dec 22-28)
Images: the Beijingers, Uni You, courtesy of the venues
