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Ping Pong Closes All UK Restaurants After 20 Years

Ping Pong cited pandemic debts alongside surging costs in an Instagram post announcing the permanent shutdown of all its UK restaurants.

Overview

  • The dim sum chain was founded by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar in 2005 and grew to a peak of 12 London locations.
  • It reported trading losses of £1.4 million in the year to March 2020 as Covid-19 restrictions hit customer footfall.
  • After halving its estate and entering administration by 2022, the chain faced further backlash in 2024 over a 15% discretionary brand charge.
  • Customers took to social media to express sadness and nostalgia over the loss of their favourite dim sum spot.
  • Industry analysts say Ping Pong’s demise underscores broader financial pressures on UK hospitality from rising costs and post-pandemic recovery challenges.