Britain's greatest gastronomic export - the fish supper - has had its chips in Hong Kong. The Harry Ramsden restaurant is pulling out of the territory.
Ramsden's, an icon to traditional expatriate diners, will close its branch in Queen's Road, Wan Chai, this month after nearly nine years in Hong Kong. Thirty workers will lose their jobs.
The company, which will officially announce the move tomorrow, cited business reasons and high property prices.
Last night the restaurant's manager, who would only give his name as Mr Chandan, claimed to be in the dark. 'It's all rumours,' he said. 'We hope to find out next week.'
But Maurice Gammell, Ramsden's managing director, speaking from Britain, said: 'It's true, we are closing down at the end of the month. Essentially the lease has come to an end and we were not able to renew it.
'We have looked at other options but we have not found anything suitable. It has been a very successful spell in Hong Kong but now is the time to review our options in the Far East.'
