14 May 1973: Willow Restaurant announced it was opening under new management.
In addition to the food and disco it also provided afternoon tea each day between 2pm and 5.30pm.
14 June 1973: Food critic describes the restaurant as an ‘unforgettable social and gastronomic experience’ where there are ‘delicacies similar to those served to the Emperors of Ancient China’.
David Tse leaves The Willow Restaurant at some point between 1973 and 1983. ‘Fong’s problems arose when his brother suddenly left the business in his hands’.
8 February 1983: “£1440 fines for dirty York café.” Tommy Fong, proprietor, admitted 24 offences.
“Dirty & Greasy floors, dirt walls and ceiling in the main kitchen and vegetable store”, “waste food behind fridge which also had rusting and moulding door seals.”
“Risk of food poisoning evident on raw meat dripping on to cooked duck in the fridge.”
“NO ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SOAP.”
However, he had put everything right within 48 hours of the officers’ inspection and now assumed total responsibility for the restaurant.
Ray Stinchcombe defended the restaurant: “it’s been open for 10 years and this is their first complaint.”
16 November 1996: Willow described as “fine for a party” by a restaurant critic, the food however was “patchy.” “A typical nightclub scene, you may think, except this was a Chinese restaurant.” “Please watch out for the waitresses, they’re only little and you might knock them over.” – Willow DJ.
2002 Inspection: One chef found running his hand through his hair several times whilst working in the kitchen.
24 April 2004: “Infamous for combining a bargain all you can eat Cantonese buffet with a late night cheesy disco.”
19 May 2004: “Gunge found in York restaurant… £11500 fine.”
“Congealed liquid and grease on the floor, plumbing, cooking equipment and food debris lying on the floor and liquid from raw chicken leaking onto the floor.”
“Sludge found close to the fridge.”
Defence claimed staff were not sufficiently trained due to language barriers.