Alexandra Road is currently in a state of total flux. If you’ve walked down Richmond’s “Eat Street” recently, you might have noticed another one of the old guard has quietly gone dark. We can now confirm the Golden Time Richmond closure, as the spot famous for its self-rotating Chinese BBQ skewers has officially shuttered its doors.
The End of the Self-Rotating Skewer?
Golden Time was one of the more unique concepts on the street. Since 2021, they offered a “hands-off” BBQ experience where the skewers would slowly spin over the heat at your table. It was a perfect low-effort late-night spot for lamb sticks and cold dishes, but it seems that chapter has closed.
Currently, the storefront is completely papered up, and the original sign has been covered by a large banner announcing a new Korean BBQ concept coming soon.
What’s Happening Inside?
Peeking through the gaps, it doesn’t look like major structural work has started yet. Because the unit was already set up for table-top grilling (thanks to the skewer machines), the new owners might be able to keep the renovations minimal.
We’re still in the dark about whether this is a complete change in ownership or if the original team is simply pivoting to catch the massive K-BBQ wave currently hitting Richmond. Given the competition from spots like Sura and Goodnine nearby, they’ll need a strong hook to stand out.
The Alexandra Road Shuffle
Golden Time isn’t the only spot undergoing a transformation right now. The block is practically unrecognizable:
- Next Door: Cafe Gloucester is currently setting up shop in the former Little Karp unit.
- Down the Block: Happy Lamb Hot Pot is taking over the space that was originally slated to be Bellwether.
- Sad Departures: The neighbourhood is reeling from a string of major departures, with Manzo Izakaya, Seto Japanese Restaurant, and Little Karp all having closed their doors in the last month.
While the Golden Time Richmond closure marks the end of an era for skewer fans, the next wave of massive brands is already lining up to fill the gaps on Eat Street.
Are you sad to see the Chinese skewer machines go, or are you ready for more Korean BBQ in the neighbourhood? Let us know over on Instagram!
