Slow Boat Taproom Set to Close
We’re sad to report that after five years of serving up brews in the hutongs, Slow Boat Taproom on Dongsi Batiao is being forced to close up shop. At this point it remains uncertain if or when the taproom will reopen.
This is just the latest casualty of Beijing’s city-mandated brickings. Beloved businesses like The Tiki Bungalow, Rager Pie and Más have already been forced to shut.
Slow Boat released a statement earlier today:
“Well folks, five years after we opened the Slow Boat Taproom on Dongsi Batiao, we have received notice that the architecture above us is in violation and will be removed. This has nothing to do with us. Our business and operating licenses were renewed less than 1 month ago. For those that don’t know, this is part of the 开墙打洞 campaign and there are three stages: 1) correct architectural violations, 2) brick up entrances / doors in violation, and lastly 3) buy back the land so it can be renovated and resold.
"When renovation starts our beloved Taproom will be closed. We are not certain how long. In fact, we’re not sure if we will be able to reopen. Only time will tell. Still, we are forced to plan for the worst.”
The final day of full food service will be on Friday May 19. But Slow Boat Taproom will be celebrating five years of business on Saturday May 20 by offering pints of their Monkey’s Fist IPA for RMB5.
It’s sad news indeed. But don’t forget there’s always Slow Boat’s Sanlitun location.
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