Bosses of a family-run Chinese restaurant have called it a day after nearly 40 years.

China Garden has served customers from its base in Windmill Street, Gravesend, since the mid-1980s.

The restaurant served Chinese cuisine including crispy aromatic duck, Chinese mushrooms with pak choi and Guangdong beef in black pepper.

However, the eatery has stopped trading after its owners decided to move onto pastures new.

Owner Kim Yip had run the business alongside his brother-in-law Andy for the past 12 years after his father-in-law was in charge for 25 years before that. But he’s now decided to start a career as an electrician.

The change led the 43-year-old to deliver a passionate message to his customers.

Labelling it an “end of an era,” he said: “It’s been so overwhelming with all the heart-warming messages, cards and presents.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for all the support everyone has given us.

"It wasn’t just the memories we’ve been able to give to you, it’s the memories you’ve given us.

“So thank you from the bottom of our hearts until we next meet.

“You never know cos one day the original China Garden may be back in town."

The restaurant offered sit-in, collection and delivery options while trading.

It also received a five-star rating from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in August last year.

However, Mr Yip admits running the business for so long took its toll on spending time with his family and was the “driving force” behind the change.

He added: “China Garden has been in business for 37 years - it began in around 1987 when my father-in-law started it.

“He took care of it for 25 years, before myself and my brother-in-law then ran it for the last 12 years.

“So it was very much a family-run business, but also one that was very time-consuming.

"The hours were quite long and unsociable, which meant I lost out on more time with my family.”

Mr Yip says he decided to opt for a new adventure two years ago.

He has since spent the past 18 months completing various theory, testing and inspection exams in order to become an electrician.

Meanwhile, brother-in-law Andy is aiming to become a driving instructor.

“I needed to make the change,” said Mr Yip, who is taking a break after closing the restaurant on May 4.

“I know the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but, for me, it felt like if I didn’t try something new now then I probably wouldn’t ever.

“So it’s quite sad, but also quite exciting too.”

He continued: “The last few weeks have been quite crazy, with some customers coming in a few times a week.

“I think the restaurant has been left in a great place for the new owners and is very modern.

"But my front of house team have all left, so I’m not 100% sure what is going to happen to it now.

“The new owners won’t have my recipes either, but I think they want to keep much of it as a restaurant.”

Many of China Garden’s customers voiced their sadness at its closure.

Speaking online, one person said: “Best Chinese restaurant ever.

“So very sad to hear you guys are closing. Best of luck to you all for the future.”

Another added: “The China Garden has always been a beacon of excellence.

“Easily the best restaurant in Gravesend and the town will be a worse place without you guys.”