Belgian bar De Refter to close, throwing closing party Thursday

The brasserie waves a beery goodbye

In news that comes as a blow to Sanlitun revellers, De Refter, the Belgian brasserie arguably best known for causing a stir with its avant-garde riffs on Taiwanese guabao, has closed its doors.

In the six months since returning to Beijing's beer scene, De Refter built on its solid rep thanks to trusty brews and offbeat food, with its range of bao labelled by state media as – scorching hot take alert! – 'a marketing gag for expats with little or no culinary background', but Beijingers, including us, have proved partial to those cheeky interpretations, which range from beef brisket all the way to salted caramel and vanilla ice cream.

De Refter's BB Bao (beef brisket, caramelised onion and bok choy).

In an announcement released late yesterday evening (Monday 3), the Sanlitun taproom cited a disagreement with investors as the cause behind its abrupt closure, stating that Monday 3 would be its official final day of operating. The one silver lining? De Refter will be hosting a closing party on Thursday 6, saying goodbye the best way it knows – with plenty of booze. Simply purchase a ticket priced at 100RMB to enjoy free-flow draught beers and bottles of Jing A all night. De Refter's full menu will also still be available on the night, so for those wanting to try their controversial-but-tasty creations, this is your last chance.

Spots for the blowout are limited. To purchase a ticket, scan the QR code below.

 First floor, Courtyard 4 (next to Janes and Hooch), Sanlitun Nan Lu, Chaoyang district.

 Thu 6. 7pm-1am. 

For more restuarant news and reviews in Beijing, hit 'Read more'. 

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