Mystery surrounds the future of popular city centre Chinese takeaway

The Chinese Buffet in Friargate, Preston, closed earlier this year with a sign on the door saying it is closed and would be moving.

The three-storey Preston site is one of 10 operated by the popular buffet chain and staff, who would not be named, say they have received no word on its future.

Bosses at the restaurant chain’s Bolton head office were also remaining tip-lipped over the Preston branch’s next move, giving no information on if it would reopen, where it might reopen or when.

Neither IRAF UK Dragon, who own the St George’s Centre, or owners David Hu and head chef Ken Cheung, were available for comment.

But, staff told the Lancashire Post they did not think it would be reopening anytime soon.

Preston’s Chinese Buffet was the fifth to join the group and has been a favourite with the city’s huge university population since opening in 2012.

The restaurant is located in a prime position at the Friargate entrance to the St George’s Shopping Centre.

In July 2016, the restaurant closed suddenly after legal notices were put on the building saying the tenancy had been terminated.

IRAF UK Dragon had applied for permission to enter the premises due to an issue with the lease.

But manager at the site, who would not be named at the time, told the Lancashire Post the lease had been renegotiated and the restaurant reopened almost immediately.

He said at the time: “I’m hopeful for the future”.