Do you ever get that pang of nostalgia for a place that's no longer around? For many in York, that place was the Tung Hing Cantonese restaurant. It seems like yesterday, but the restaurant is gone.
This beloved establishment, once a favorite, even earned accolades from a Press Eating Out food reviewer. A recent post on the Why We Love York - Memories Facebook nostalgia group sparked a flood of fond recollections, with many members declaring it the best Chinese restaurant in the city.
To refresh your memory, the Tung Hing was located on Gale Lane, Acomb, and previously operated as the New China Palace.
A Taste of the Past
In 2003, the food reviewer shared: "It is situated in between houses along a quiet stretch of Gale Lane, in Acomb, so you have to make the effort to get there if you don't live nearby. But if you like Chinese food, it's worth the trip.
This was a restaurant that seemed to pay attention to detail, rather than show; which did simple things well, both with the food and the service. It also felt like a real family Chinese restaurant. As we were leaving we passed an elderly Chinese woman sitting in the bar area, pouring herself a cup of tea from a small teapot; next to her were a man and two children engrossed in a game of cards."
A Community Remembers
The nostalgia group members echoed similar sentiments.
- Jonathan Gren: "Was the best Chinese in York."
- Linda Stainforth: "Lived next door. Best food ever."
- Keiko Croft: "Our pre-wedding dinner was here. The owner Ming was a great man. All their foods were delicious. Miss this restaurant."
- Jane Dilligaf: "Their food was delicious and the sake flowed freely!"
- Katrina O'Donnell: "The name always made me laugh!"
- Ann Johnson summed up the views of many with: "Miss it soooo much."
So, what happened to this beloved establishment?
In June 2007, it was reported that the Gale Lane restaurant was sold at auction for over £1 million. The new owner, millionaire developer Peter Mandy of Ascot Developments of York, planned to demolish it and replace it with apartments.
The End of an Era
The Tung Hing restaurant closed its doors, marking the end of an era.
Share Your Memories
Do you remember the Tung Hing? Share your memories! Or, tell us about the restaurants in York that you miss. Which ones would you bring back if you could?
And if you enjoy exploring York's past through photos and stories, we invite you to join our online nostalgia group on Facebook, Why We Love York - Memories. It's free to join, and you can find us at www.facebook.com/groups/yorknostalgia.
We'd love to see your old photos of York – they don't have to be from centuries ago. Some of our most popular stories feature photos from the '70s, '80s, '90s, and even the early 2000s.
If you have a nostalgia story to share, you can contact our Community Content Editor, Maxine Gordon, at maxine.gordon@thepress.co.uk.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree that the Tung Hing was the best Chinese restaurant in York? What other local favorites do you miss? Share your memories and opinions in the comments below!
