Pagoda to close in Marlborough as owners announce retirement

Ching Lin and Andy Cheung first opened the Chinese restaurant Pagoda at The Parade in Marlborough, where they settled with their two children Eric and Gavin, 35 years ago.

The business has since become a staple of the town but will shut for the final time on Wednesday, August 30, after Ching Lin and Andy announced their retirement.

During that time the restaurant has hosted many happy memories, including family meals, engagement parties and even proposals.

While Ching Lin and Andy are looking forward to a well-deserved break, they admitted their long-term regulars will be sorely missed.

They told this paper: “We will miss the guests, they aren't customers, they are friends.

“We've known some of them for a long time, some as long as 40 years from our previous restaurant, we are always so happy to see them.

Andy Cheung and Ching Lin with sons Eric and Gavin Cheung at Pagoda (Image: Eric Cheung)

“Some of them are second and even third-generation customers where we have seen them grow up from when they were babies.

“They are now in their 30s and living their own life with children of their own. Some of them proposed at the restaurant and some came to celebrate engagements.”

This loyalty, along with their love of the town, was one of the reasons the couple remained in Marlborough for so long with many customers visiting weekly.

Pagoda has stood the test of time despite the challenges of multiple financial downturns over the years.

Andy and Ching Lin say the industry has been “up and down” over the last three decades, but the pair made sacrifices to come through the hard times to stay afloat.

They added: “The recession has been long this time. From the 2008 credit crunch until now business hasn't been easy.

Andy Cheung and Ching Lin at Pagoda in 2010 after winning an award (Image: Andy Cheung)

“We chose not to employ additional staff and just worked on our own, with some help from our sons, which is how we stayed standing.

“Andy was often a one-man band in the kitchen, so had to work very hard. There is no secret really, we did it for our family, but we have really enjoyed the ride.”

The pair thanked both customers and staff for all their support during the “wonderful journey” they have been on and pledged to return to meet old friends.

Special praise was reserved for kitchen assistant Nathan who has been with them for over a decade.

They have urged old guests to stay in contact via heypagoda@gmail.com where they can share their memories.