A longtime Chinese restaurant on Wellington Street has permanently closed its doors, marking the end of an era for London diners who frequented the establishment for over three decades.

The restaurant, located at Wellington and Weston Street, was known for serving what many considered the best dim sum in London. Local residents took to social media to share their memories of the family-favourite spot, with some recalling visits spanning more than 30 years.

According to community discussions, the restaurant’s closure appears to be connected to the broader redevelopment plans for the Wellington Street corridor. The area is being transformed to accommodate the rapid transit bus lane project, which requires removing the bend in the road and demolishing several existing buildings.

The establishment had already been struggling since the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted its operations. The restaurant had transitioned from offering indoor dining to strictly takeout service during the pandemic, a change that many saw as a sign of the challenges ahead.

Local food enthusiasts particularly praised the restaurant’s moo shu pork and dim sum offerings. One longtime customer mentioned travelling across town specifically to dine there, highlighting the restaurant’s reputation that extended beyond its immediate neighbourhood.

The closure represents another loss in London’s Chinese dining scene, following the earlier closure of Dragoncourt, another popular dim sum destination. For many families, these restaurants served as regular gathering spots and represented important cultural dining experiences in the city.

The Wellington Street location had been home to several restaurants over the years. Residents recall another establishment called London South Restaurant that operated in the area, known for its large panzerottis, which closed in the early 2000s after the original owners passed away.

The building now sits as an empty lot, awaiting demolition as part of the broader Wellington Street infrastructure improvements. The rapid transit project will reshape this section of the street, removing the current bend and creating space for dedicated bus lanes.

For residents who lived in the area, particularly those near the Moose Lodge, the restaurant had become a convenient go-to option for Chinese cuisine. The establishment’s ability to maintain operations for several years post-COVID demonstrated the loyalty of its customer base and the determination of its operators.

The closure reflects broader challenges facing independent restaurants in London, particularly those impacted by both pandemic restrictions and urban development projects. Many establishments have struggled to adapt to changing dining patterns and infrastructure developments throughout the city.

The Wellington and Weston Street intersection will look significantly different once the rapid transit construction is complete, with the familiar restaurant building becoming part of London’s dining history.

The restaurant’s closure adds to the ongoing transformation of Wellington Street, as the city continues to implement its rapid transit vision while longtime businesses and community gathering places make way for new infrastructure development.