These are some of the lost Chinese restaurants people in Greater Manchester miss most.
Chinatown in Manchester is the second largest in Britain and the third largest in Europe. Centred on Faulkner Street, it emerged in the 1970s and developed into the main cultural hub for Chinese families in the north of England.
It is now famed for its restaurants, grocery shops and bakeries as well as Chinese New Year celebrations which attract thousands of visitors. In 1987 an impressive archway – a gift from China – was built.
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But as we enter a new lunar year, many will find themselves reminiscing about the past and how much has changed in the region. over the years. Greater Manchester has always boasted successful and much-loved Chinese restaurants, but there are some from years gone by that people would love to see come back - so here we take a look back at a few we've said goodbye to over the years.
This list isn't intended to be comprehensive, we've included a number of popular Chinese restaurants lost through the years and asked for suggestions on our Greater Manchester history, memories and people Facebook group. But if there are a few you would like to see included, let us know in the comments section.
Kwok Man
One of Manchester’s oldest restaurants - and one of the first in Chinatown - generations will remember heading to Kwok Man. Located on Princess Street, the popular restaurant first opened in 1962.
But in March 2017, the MEN reported how Kwok Man was closing its doors after 55 years of trading. At the time, the business claimed that recent roadworks and bus priority schemes on Portland Street and Princess Street were ‘killing’ the business.
Man Fang
One of the first Chinese restaurants in Manchester, Man Fang was based at 49 Piccadilly from the late 1950s to early 1970s. Adverts billed it as 'Manchester's latest and most luxurious restaurant' serving 'first class English and Chinese cuisine' complemented by a 'comprehensive wine list'.
Man Fang was opened by Lee Yau, who was born in Hong Kong and settled in England in the early 1950s, going on to open restaurants in Bradford and Leeds before opening Man Fang in Manchester with his business partners. Mr Yau died in 2005, aged 89.
Do these awaken any memories for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
Lung Fung
Middleton restaurant Lung Fung was an unlikely celebrity haunt in its day, feeding stars including The Beatles and Cliff Richard. It was established by Lily Kwok, a migrant from Hong Kong who brought Chinese cuisine to the town for the first time in the 1950s.
The modest spot gave little away about the remarkable family saga behind it - a tale of poverty, murder, triad associations and gambling. Lily's legacy continues at Northern Quarter restaurant Sweet Mandarin, which is run by her granddaughters Helen, Lisa and Janet Tse and features some of her favourite recipes on the menu.
Join our Greater Manchester history, memories and people Facebook group here.
Yang Sing Cathay
Yang Sing Cathay had been a fixture in the Trafford Centre food court since the shopping centre's opening in 1998. But, after welcoming customers for 20 years, the restaurant announced its closure in May 2020.
At the time, the restaurant said losses incurred by the coronavirus lockdown left it with 'no option'. The firm's long-standing George Street restaurant, one of the oldest in the city, and its nearby sister eatery Little Yang Sing continued trading.
Little Village
Located on the corner of King Street in the city centre, Little Village opened in the 1960s. In December 1969, the Heywood Advertiser printed an advertisement that stated the restaurant was "'the best in Manchester" with food and service "above all" at the "luxury restaurant."
The popular Manchester spot has since been consigned to history. In more recent years, it's old spot - 33a Cross Street - has been home to The Rice Bowl.
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Jade Garden
One reader suggested the Jade Garden Restaurant on Wilmslow Road, in Didsbury. Inside, customers will remember yellow and purple table cloths.
Outside, the authentic Chinese and Thai restaurant boasted green walls and orange signage. In September 2018, the Baity Palestinian Kitchen opened at the site.
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