By Julia Salisbury

OLD Harlow Crystal Palace owner vows to re-open “bigger and better” Chinese restaurant after fire devastation in January.

The owner of the Crystal Palace Chinese Restaurant in Old Harlow plans to re-open his take-away and karaoke rooms after a fire in January caused the business to temporarily close.

The fire, which happened on 21st January 2016, caused damage to the restaurant, rooms inside it and the neighboring Old Harlow library.

It took Essex County Fire and Rescue Service six hours to put the fire out, which they ruled as an accident caused by faulty electrical equipment.

Taking to Facebook, Sam Man, owner of the Chinese restaurant, promised customers and friends that he would be re-opening very soon.

Not wishing to ‘jinx himself, Mr. Man said: “My plan is to do up the take-away side very soon and open and small section of the restaurant to seat about 25 people.

“This is only a temporary solution until the main restaurant it sorted out.”

As well as owning the Old Harlow restaurant, Mr. Man, 54, also owns the Crystal Palace bar and restaurant in Chelmsford.

Sam hopes to bring the Old Harlow restaurant up to the same standards as that of the Chelmsford establishment.

Mr. Man thanked his customers for their support and loyalty, but asked them to be patient.

“Please be patient with us as the new shop is only temporary restaurant and once all the restorations are complete, we well return bigger and better.”