A family-run restaurant that has seen first dates and customers’ children grow up has closed after 17 years.

Pin Wei restaurant in Abbots Langley closed its doors for the final time on December 31, 2022.

But there is a glimmer of hope that the restaurant, which served Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes, could one day open again.

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The owner, Choy Chan, was told by the building’s owner in July 2022 that the contract would come to an end in six months.

Ms Chan told Watford Observer: “I’ve been so busy recently I haven’t had to think about it being closed, but I am getting more and more emotional.

“It’s sad for all the staff because we have worked together for some time.”

Watford Observer: Left to right: Ms Chan's mother, Ms Chan's daughter and Ms Chan, the owner of the restaurant Left to right: Ms Chan's mother, Ms Chan's daughter and Ms Chan, the owner of the restaurant (Image: Pin Wei)

Throughout the 17 years, Ms Chan’s three children, her brother, sister and their mother have all worked at the restaurant.

And the family-run business has seen many special occasions over the years.

She said: “We have seen customers’ children grow up and then they have had children.

“And a lot of people have had first dates at the restaurant, and they have got married and had children.”

It was Ms Chan’s childhood dream to open her own restaurant following in her father’s footsteps, and she hasn’t ruled out a return.

Watford Observer: Pin Wei closed on December 31, 2022. Pin Wei closed on December 31, 2022. (Image: Google Street View)

She said: “There are some legal things to finish off with this one and when that is over, I might open one again.

“If I do, it would be for my existing customers, so it would have to be local.”

She continued: “I have got to know so many lovely people and over the years and they have become friends.

“I want to thank all the customers for their support and send them lots of love.”

Watford Observer: Mandy Anstee is sad Pin Wei is closing. Mandy Anstee is sad Pin Wei is closing. (Image: Mandy Anstee)

One of those customers is Mandy Anstee, who lives in Kings Langley and was a regular at the restaurant.

She said: “The staff are lovely. The food is amazing, always fresh and served hot.

“I have some allergies and they always catered for me. It is very sad they are going.”