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Bristol’s first Chinese and fish & chip shop to close after 52 years
North Street was a very different place when Willow Garden opened in 1972.
Willow Garden was Bristol’s first takeaway to combine Chinese cuisine with fish and chips, and it has served generations of Bristolians in the 52 years that it has been located opposite what is now the Tobacco Factory.
But after more than half a century, its owners have made the decision “with great sadness” to close for the last time on Saturday.
In a notice pinned to the front of the shop, owners wrote: “To our friends and customers, Willow Garden is Bristol’s first Chinese, fish and chips shop started in 1972.
“As many of you know, my family then took over from the much beloved Mr and Mrs Lau in 1995 and carried on operating as Willow Garden into the present day.
“With 52 years as a business, it is with great sadness that Willow Garden will be closing down.
“My mother has planned on retiring for some time and feels now it is the right time to retire.
“The area has seen me and my brother grow up these past 29 years.
“Our final day as a business will be on 13th July 2024.
“We want to thank everyone who came and ordered food from us throughout the years.
“We have met many people throughout the years and made plenty of lifelong friends along the way.
“This is not a goodbye but more ‘see you later’.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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