'Aging like a fine wine!' - Blackpool's iconic Michael Wan's Mandarin restaurant celebrates 65th birthday

One of Blackpool's best-known restaurants has celebrated a major milestone after serving generations of customers for 65 years.

Michael Wan's Mandarin, on Clifton Street, marked its 65th birthday by thanking customers, staff and the Blackpool community for supporting the family business since it first opened its doors in 1961.

The long-established Cantonese restaurant shared the occasion on social media, reflecting on its journey from serving both English and Chinese dishes in the 1960s to becoming one of the resort's most recognisable dining destinations.

In a post marking the anniversary, the restaurant said: "Guess who turned 65 yesterday? That's right... Michael Wan's Mandarin! Like a fine wine, we've only got better with age. Since opening in 1961, we've welcomed generations of families through our doors.

“We started by serving both English and Chinese dishes in the 1960s, evolving over the decades into the Cantonese restaurant you know and love today."

The restaurant also paid tribute to those who have contributed to its success over more than six decades.

It said: "Every chapter of our story has been made possible by our wonderful customers, loyal staff, and the Blackpool community. Thank you for being part of our incredible journey. Under the custodianship of Pauline for the past 20 years, Michael Wan's Mandarin is still going strong, and with your continued support, we look forward to many more years to come."

Concluding the anniversary message, the restaurant added: "Here's to our past, our present, and our future. Cheers to 65 years! Thanks to the History Centre, Blackpool Central Library, we found our first advert dated 7/8/1961 in the Blackpool Gazette one day after we opened!"

The birthday celebrations come during another landmark year for the restaurant, which has also been shortlisted in the East and Southeast Asian Food category at the 2026 BIH Spotlight Awards, recognising excellence in hospitality.

Michael Wan's Mandarin continues to attract diners from across the country and has become a popular destination for celebrity visitors. In recent months, world darts star Luke Littler visited the restaurant while competing in the PDC World Matchplay in Blackpool.

Fellow darts figures Owen Binks and Kirk Bevin have also dined there this year, while comedian James Acaster enjoyed a meal at the restaurant in April.

Founded in 1961, Michael Wan's Mandarin remains one of Blackpool's longest-established restaurants and a familiar fixture in the town's dining scene.