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Chinese New Year 2014: Top 10 Chinese restaurants in UK revealed

Tomorrow will see people around the world hail the start of the Year of the Horse

Thursday 30 January 2014 12:52 GMT

With the world preparing to see in the Chinese New Year tomorrow, TripAdvisor has revealed the top 10 Chinese restaurants in the UK (TripAdvisor.co.uk )

With celebrations planned around the world to see in the Chinese New Year tomorrow, it is set to be one of the busiest days of the year for people heading out in search of Far Eastern cuisine.

Handily, the travel website TripAdvisor has now revealed its list of the top 10 Chinese restaurants in the UK, based on reviews submitted by customers.

While it’s great news for the residents of St Helens in Merseyside, people in the capital will be disappointed to learn that not a single London-based restaurant made the list.

Chinese New Year 2014: Animated Google Doodle marks Year of the Horse

The northwest as a whole actually fares disproportionately well, accounting for a staggering seven of the top 10 Chinese restaurants in the country. It is not entirely clear whether or not this is simply a product of the positive outlook of the people who live there.

What the Year of the Horse means for you

Coming out on top of the chart was The Golden Horses, St Helens, which one reviewer said had “absolutely outstanding food” and “very friendly and polite staff”.

In pictures: UK’s 10 best rated Chinese restaurants revealed

Show all 10

1/10In pictures: UK’s 10 best rated Chinese restaurants revealed

In pictures: UK’s 10 best rated Chinese restaurants revealed

1. The Golden Horses

The Golden Horses, St. Helens – A firm favourite among the locals in St. Helens, The Golden Horses has wowed diners with its broad selection of dishes, great service and good value. As one TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “Absolutely outstanding food, very friendly and polite staff…I'll definitely be making weekly visits from now on”

In pictures: UK’s 10 best rated Chinese restaurants revealed

2. The Lady Jade

The Lady Jade, Liverpool – Led by a chef with over 30 years’ experience preparing Peking and Cantonese cuisine, the Lady Jane offers great value and a popular banquet set menu option. As one TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “I can't rate the service and quality of food in this restaurant highly enough. The barbecue ribs are the nicest I have ever tasted and the crispy duck is scrumptious”

In pictures: UK’s 10 best rated Chinese restaurants revealed

3. Michael Wan's Mandarin Cantonese Restaurant

Michael Wan's Mandarin Cantonese Restaurant, Blackpool – Located just off Blackpool Promenade, Michael Wan’s Mandarin Cantonese Restaurant has built a reputation for its modern décor and delicious duck and steak dishes. As one TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “A stunningly decorated restaurant that manages to be cosy, friendly and serve fantastic food at the same time”

In pictures: UK’s 10 best rated Chinese restaurants revealed

4. Coconut Tree Noodle Bar

Coconut Tree Noodle Bar, Herne Bay – This cosy seaside restaurant prides itself on delivering contemporary oriental dining using fresh, locally sourced produce throughout its menu. As one TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “The food was delicious. Fresh ingredients, subtle flavours and spices were all there to savour”

In pictures: UK’s 10 best rated Chinese restaurants revealed

5. Hoya's Cantonese Restaurant

Hoya's Cantonese Restaurant, Heywood – Located in Heywood, just outside Rochdale, Hoya’s has a built a loyal local customer base with its reputation for authentic Cantonese cuisine. As one TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “Lovely atmosphere and amazing food at a good price. Visited many times before and will be back soon”

In pictures: UK’s 10 best rated Chinese restaurants revealed

6. Maple Tree, Marple

Maple Tree, Marple – Popular for its fun, welcoming atmosphere and well-presented dishes, the Maple Tree is a particular favourite among many diners in Marple. As one TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “A meal should be an experience and this certainly was. Great to see young and old enjoy a lovely evening”

In pictures: UK’s 10 best rated Chinese restaurants revealed

7. China Red

China Red, Guernsey – Popular with both tourists and local alike, China Red delivers high quality dishes with a personal touch across a range of menu options. One TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “This is Chinese food with a difference. Innovative dishes, great ingredients, and not a hint of MSG”

In pictures: UK’s 10 best rated Chinese restaurants revealed

8. The Zen Restauran

The Zen Restaurant, Lytham St. Annes – A contemporary dining favourite, Zen is known for its elegantly presented dishes and inventive menu, and takes pride in its support for local suppliers. One TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “The quality of the food is superb, the steamed sea bass with ginger and spring onions is wonderfully executed and my personal favourite”

In pictures: UK’s 10 best rated Chinese restaurants revealed

9. Wings Chinese Restaurant

Wings Chinese Restaurant, Southend-on-Sea – Offering fresh, authentic cooking, Wings continues to attract local diners with its great value menu and warm service. One TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “Excellent food, freshly cooked with fabulous flavours. Friendly staff, who are very willing to adapt dishes for specific requirements. Great value for money too”

In pictures: UK’s 10 best rated Chinese restaurants revealed

10. Oriental Delight

Oriental Delight, Wirral – Specialising in regional Beijing dishes, this established family-run restaurant prides itself on great customer service and delivering authentic Chinese flavours. One TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “Absolutely amazing food and the friendliest staff you could ever wish to meet. Have eaten here several times and we are always made to feel extremely welcome as are all other guests in the restaurant”

Making up the rest of the top three were The Lady Jade in Liverpool and Michael Wan's Mandarin Cantonese Restaurant just off Blackpool Promenade, which was described as “stunningly decorated”.

TripAdvisor said its list was compiled based on the average ratings and review provided by travellers to its site – so perhaps it is simply the case that Londoners are more sparing when dishing out praise.

Tomorrow will bring the start of the Year of the Horse, which it is believed brings prosperity and wealth. Those planning on celebrating with an appropriate Chinese dining experience will perhaps be glad it isn’t the year of the fox.

The list in full: Top 10 UK Chinese restaurants

1. The Golden Horses, St. Helens

2. The Lady Jade, Liverpool

3. Michael Wan's Mandarin Cantonese Restaurant, Blackpool

4. Coconut Tree Noodle Bar, Herne Bay

5. Hoya's Cantonese Restaurant, Heywood

6. Maple Tree, Marple

7. China Red, Guernsey

8. The Zen Restaurant, Lytham St. Annes

9. Wings Chinese Restaurant, Southend-on-Sea

10. Oriental Delight, Wirral

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