Bun House to bring ‘spirit of 80’s Hong Kong disco culture’ to Shoreditch with new restaurant

Due to open on 12 November, Bun House Disco will take over the Glass House site on Bethnal Green Road where founders Alex Peffly and Z He previously operated a bar and café​​.

The pair originally launched Bun House on Greek Street in Soho in early 2017​​ before relocating to Lisle Street in Chinatown in 2019, and until now have only expanded the brand through temporary satellite sites​​.

The Shoreditch restaurant will feature Bun House’s signature steamed buns alongside a new wonton menu and cocktail selection.

Diners will be able to choose between prawn and vegetable wontons, which will be offered with a selection of different dressings including black vinegar and hot and sour dressing.

Additionally, there will be the option to order the wontons ‘slurpy’ by adding wide noodles; ‘wet’ by adding soup; or ‘messy’ by adding both noodles and soup.

A range of snacks and sharing plates will also be available.

He will oversee the cocktail menu, which will feature interpretations of classic cocktails made with Chinese herbs and spices.

Options will include a chrysanthemum martini; cheung fun old fashioned; and mala margarita.

Described as ‘an atmospheric hideaway reminiscent of downtown Hong Kong’s drinking dens’, Bun House Disco’s interiors will feature a maroon-tiled bar stretching the length of the space; an open kitchen; disco balls; and retro striped booths.

“Growing up, I always admired the neon lights of 80’s disco culture, particularly in Hong Kong and wanted to create a place that captured the spirit of this,” says He, describing the space.

“Shoreditch feels like a natural home for Bun House Disco and gives us the opportunity to embrace the creativity and energy of East London.

“We can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on for the last couple of years.”

Following the relocation of Bun House from Soho to Chinatown, He and Peffly relaunched their original Greek Street site as Wun's Tea Room & Bar​​; a Hong Kong-style concept partly inspired by He’s upbringing.

Wun’s has been shut since last year, although remains listed as only being ‘temporarily closed’ on Google.

However, He has confirmed that the restaurant is now permanently closed.

“In November 2023, I made the decision to close Wun’s Tea Room in Soho to put all my efforts into the growth of Bun House and opening Bun House Disco,” she says.

“We’re really grateful for all the love and support we had from our diners in Soho but felt it was the right time to step away and embrace new opportunities.”

He and Peffly also operate Chinese crépe brand Pleasant Lady, which has a single location in Spitalfields.