Birmingham Chinatown boss confirms future of 'brilliant' restaurant after years of closure
The future of a historic Birmingham restaurant has been confirmed after years of closure. Chung Ying Garden first opened in 1987 and was one of the busiest restaurants in Chinatown before it 'temporarily closed' in 2018.
The restaurant on Thorp Street was a sister venue to Chung Ying which remains popular in the area. A third location, Chung Ying Central, closed in 2021 as a result of the pandemic.
Outside Chung Ying Garden, a sign informs customers that the restaurant is currently closed for 'extensive refurbishment'. Speaking to BirminghamLive, Chung Ying owner James Wong confirmed that Chung Ying Garden will not return.
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He said: "Chung Ying Garden is not going to open again. Having two big restaurants in Chinatown never really worked for us. and having the same name didn't really help.
"I'd say that Chung Ying Garden was one of the busiest restaurants in Birmingham. It was nearly 400-capacity and it was crazy back in the day, it was brilliant.
"After 30 years of opening, everything started to break down. Before we closed, the heating broke down and it would have cost thousands to fix the heating and refurbish the kitchens.
"It was merely a business decision. Am I sad to see it go? Absolutely, I have so many memories."
Whilst Chung Ying Garden will not reopen as a restaurant, the location will not remain empty for long. James has been speaking to local stakeholders and revealed that plans are in place to 'transform' the building.
He said: "There's redevelopment plans, I can't say too much but there are plans ahead. Hopefully we will take it to planning soon.
"It will be a multi-use building and transformative.. It's going to be something different but I think it will be beneficial for both Birmingham and Chinatown and will hopefully bring people into the area.