'End of an era' - Popular Bristol Chinese restaurant to close at current site after 20 years
A Chinese restaurant in Bristol is closing today (June 26) before reopening in a new location due to the redevelopment of its current site.
Mayflower, which serves traditional Cantonese cuisine, is relocating from Haymarket Walk near the Bearpit to the former Dulay jeans store in Broadmead - with a reopening date to be confirmed.
It is one of a number of businesses to close in the Haymarket area, following that of vintage shop Loot and vegetarian restaurant Flow earlier this year.
The area is earmarked for redevelopment as the Premier Inn above it is to be demolished to make way for two high-rise residential blocks, one 26 storeys high and making it the tallest building in Bristol city centre.
Announcing the relocation plans on social media last month, Mayflower said: “After 20 incredible years at the Haymarket, we have some big news to share with you all. Due to redevelopment plans for our current site, we will be relocating to a new premises.
“This decision hasn’t been an easy one, as we’ve built so many memories and cherished moments here. However, we are excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it brings.
“We want to take this moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Your unwavering support over the years has been the cornerstone of our success.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for choosing us as your dining destination, for sharing your celebrations and milestones with us, and for making our restaurant feel like home.”
In the comments section, people have called the closure “the end of an era”.
Matt Seow wrote: “I remember the first few times coming here when I was at uni (yes, 20 years ago!).
“Glad to hear you will be reopening because, as I keep telling people, even after living in Hong Kong for 5+ years there are some Mayflower dishes that are still the best versions of them I’ve ever tasted.”
Carol Cheung added: “In the words of Liam Neeson "I will look for you and I WILL find you!".
“Can't imagine my life without you. My family have grown up before your eyes and we have become very fond of you all and the food!”
And Ian Fenn said: “Glad you will relocate rather than close completely. I will have to make a trip before the end of June.”