A Chinese restaurant hailed as the ‘best in East London’ by diners is set to close after nearly 80 years next month. Chan’s Restaurant will bid farewell to Manor Park on Wednesday, July 23 as owner Stephen Wan intends to retire.
His father and previous owner Peter has been a staple of High Street North since moving from Hong Kong in 1959. Originally a staff member, the restaurateur took over the lease from the original Mr. Chan in 1970 and forged a lasting reputation for “delicious” Chinese food in Newham.
Taking to social media to share the sad news, the Chan’s Restaurant team said the decision to shut was made with a “heavy heart”. A statement posted online reads: “We are deeply saddened to say goodbye to the place that has been a part of so many family traditions, celebrations, and everyday moments.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has supported us over the years. Your loyalty and love for our food have been the driving force behind our passion for cooking and serving.
“We’ve been honoured to see generations of families grow up and bring their children and grandchildren to share in the joy of our food and we feel so lucky to have gotten to know so many amazing people during our time here.”
Chan’s has attracted plenty of attention since first opening in 1941. Then the only Chinese restaurant in Newham, it was under Peter that things really took off. He was awarded multiple food & drink awards and enjoyed visits from the former Mayor of Newham, West Ham players and famous fashion photographer David Bailey.
It has also racked up an 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor, with happy customers praising the various noodle and rice dishes, value for money and “old school” service. The news of Chan’s Restaurant’s closure has left many people devastated, especially for those for whom it had become a go-to spot.
One disappointed diner said: “Oh no! You have brought so much happiness to all of those who came to love your food.”
Someone else wrote: “My Uncle Bob practically lived in there when he was alive. Sad to see it go. The end of an era,” with a third shared: “You’re the best ever! Where else will I get the tastiest chow mein, chips and curry sauce?”
Another customer, who classed himself a regular, added: “Best Chinese for miles. I have been ordering from this family-run restaurant for years and can never fault the food. You’ll be missed.”
You can find Chan’s Restaurant at 321 High Street North, Manor Park until July 23.
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