A POPULAR Chinese restaurant has closed its doors – while it looks for a new home.

Mister Fu’s on Blackburn Road in Darwen was boarded up last week, after owners failed to secure a deal to purchase the building.

Writing on their Facebook page – which has more than 2,000 likes – owners Ross Campbell and Graham Melia said: “This is a sad notice to all our customers over the years.

“Unfortunately a deal to purchase the building couldn’t be agreed and we have taken the difficult decision to leave and look for new premises.”

Mr Melia and Mr Campbell said there were negotiations for private investors to purchase the building – which used to be The George pub – from Thwaites, with a view to those investors then agreeing to a long term lease.

Mr Melia said: “The negotiations started in March last year and the restaurant closed in June in the hope that the purchase would be completed shortly afterwards.

“This turned out not to be the case and after months of going back and forth both sides couldn’t come to an agreement and as such the deal to purchase fell through.

“We therefore decided to terminate our lease and seek new premises.”

The owners said this was not the end for Mister Fu’s and while a new location is sought, chefs from the restaurant have moved to a takeaway on Duckworth Street, which they also own.

Mr Campbell said: “Customers can continue to enjoy our food delivered to their doors from Cantonese Box. It’s pretty much the same menu so don’t be afraid to ask for your favourite dish.”

Mister Fu’s in Darwen was bought from Harry Fu in 2012, before he sadly died in 2103. Mr Fu also owned the Bolton Road restaurant Master Fu’s. His son Ming Fu ran a similar establishment on Preston New Road.