Blackpool businessman who founded popular Chinese restaurant dies after 'brave' cancer and coronavirus fight

Mr Wan, 81, died yesterday following a battle with liver cancer and Covid-19.

In a tribute, his son Oliver Wan said: "Farewell Dad. you fought a long, brave battle with liver cancer. If that wasn't enough you also battled Covid. I'm forever grateful to the staff at Trinity Hospice where they looked after you with so much care and love.

"We will miss you very much dad, your family, especially your grandchildren."

Mr Wan, a father of two, came to Britain from Hong Kong in the 1950s.

After moving from Liverpool to Blackpool, he earned a living as a waiter at a restaurant on Bond Street, and took over The Mandarin on Clifton Street in 1961 after buying the business from its original owner for just £500. The restaurant later expanded to include Michael Wan's Wok Inn, Blackpool's first noodle bar, on the Promenade in 2018.

Oliver said: "Dad always wanted to please customers. He was very front of house as a restaurateur and he used to tell me he just wanted to put a smile on people's faces and give them the best service and food. At times it was manic, but customers were happy to queue up and wait for a table.

"It has been so wonderful to see how many people he has made happy."

Last year, The Mandarin was voted the best Chinese restaurant by the Big 7 Travel website, beating others in capital cities from Paris and London to Budapest and Copenhagen.

His goddaughter Pauline Lai, who runs the Wok Inn with her husband Gareth, said: "It is really sad not just for us but for the whole business, the long history of the restaurant and all the memories we made with the customers. He was such a big part of the community - we have been here 60 years. Some of our customers are not just customers, they're friends.

"Michael was such a big character in Blackpool. He was a father figure in our restaurant. I'd have a million pounds if I had a pound for every person who told me they had their first ever Chinese meal at The Mandarin."

A Wok Inn spokesman said: "It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Michael Wan to our customers and friends.

"Michael was a well known and well respected character in Blackpool, his welcoming smile was always followed by a warm conversation. He would remember customers from years ago, as they would remember him.

"Even after his retirement Michael enjoyed staying in touch with his old customers, if people asked after him he was happy to get a call and would often pop in to say hello.

"Michael will always remain part of the Mandarin and Wok Inn and will be missed by all at both restaurants. Our thoughts go to his family and friends during this difficult time."

People paid tribute to Mr Wan on the Wok Inn's Facebook page.

Marina Blore said: "Michael Wan was part of Blackpool's culinary history... the go-to place for the showbiz world after theatre performances. I have many very happy memories from eating at The Mandarin."

Michele Jones said: "Me and my family started going in his restaurant in the 70s onwards when we worked in town. Remember the three course lunch specials well on a Friday payday. Always quality."

Cindy Sinclair said: "I will always remember the happy times spent in the Mandarin."

Mr Wan's funeral will take place at a date to be announced.