Michael Wan’s Mandarin Part of the Blackpool Community Since 1961

from The Lancashire & North West Magazine | July 2022

by The Lancashire & North West Magazine

STONYHURST ST MARY’S HALL BORROWED THE MOON!

Michael Wan’s Mandarin

Part of the Blackpool Community Since 1961

When we think about all the exciting new developments and facilities that have arrived in Blackpool in recent years, the imminent new conferencing facilities at the Winter Gardens and the brand new multimillion pound ride at the Pleasure Beach, it is also important to remember those businesses which have stood the test of time, those which have lived through the boom times and the quieter years and are still very much part of the town today. ONE SUCH ESTABLISHMENT IS MICHAEL WAN’S MANDARIN ON CLIFTON STREET

Since first opening its doors in 1961, the Mandarin has been synonymous with quality and authentic Chinese/ Cantonese food. Now, and for over 60 years, while trends come and go, the Mandarin has been serving locals and visitors of Blackpool the best Chinese food in Lancashire and North West of England.

Many people will remember the original owner, Michael, who as a young man decided to up-(chop) sticks and leave his homeland of Hong Kong; he boarded a slow boat and embarked on an epic journey to find a new life in England.

On landing in Liverpool, Michael made his way to Blackpool where he began working his way up the restaurant ladder, after several hard years learning and fine-tuning his trade, he open his own restaurant, right in the heart of Blackpool and in 1961 Michael Wan’s Mandarin was born.

Just over 40 years later Michael retired and sold his business to his God-daughter, Pauline Lai, a young and aspiring chef and restaurateur. Pauline comes from a long line of acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs, including her father and two uncles, all of whom ran successful businesses in HK and latterly Manchester, UK.

From the day she took over Pauline has worked hard to ensure the standard of food remains at its highest level whilst developing

the menu and cross-blending traditional Cantonese flavours with western style dishes.

This blend of traditional and modern continues throughout the restaurant, with the décor taking influences from 1930’s Shanghai tea rooms. Colourful fabrics and intricate gilded wallpaper give a lovely atmospheric warmth.

One thing that has never changed over the years is the warm welcome you’re guaranteed to find from the Mandarin team.

In 2019 Michael Wan’s Mandarin was listed as Best Chinese Restaurant in Europe by Big7Travel, it is a regular in TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice rankings and most recently was listed in OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in UK.