A restaurant which customers say serves the best Chinese food “in the whole of the UK” has announced it is shutting down.

Yantze, in Tankerton, Whitstable, closed after serving dishes for the final time at the weekend and confirming the decision on Friday.

Opening in 2004, the business is shuttering just shy of its 20th anniversary.

Despite rumours the popular eatery was to be taken over by another restaurant, bosses shared in a website message this was not to be and the business would be closing its shutters and the owners retiring.

In the post, Yantze owners said: “After nearly 20 years of trading, with great sadness we regret to inform you that Yantze will be closing permanently on Monday.

“We would like to thank everyone for your continued support and loyalty.

“It has been a great pleasure serving our customers over the years, but it is time for our owners to now retire.

“We greatly appreciate your custom.”

Loyal customers of the restaurant, which was known for its authentic Cantonese, Peking and Szechuan style cuisine, have expressed their sadness at the news.

One commenter said: “This is sad news, Yantze is the best Chinese restaurant I have ever been to in the whole of the UK.

“Onwards and upwards and I wish you all the best!”

Another added: “So sorry to hear this news, we have had many fantastic evenings with you over the years. Wishing you well in your future.”

One social media user simply said: “Gutted, best Chinese in town. Will be greatly missed.”

The restaurant in Tankerton Road is rated the second best Chinese in Whitstable on Tripadvisor, with a four-star rating.

Reviewers on the platform praised the restaurant for its “delicious” food and “friendly and accommodating” staff.

KentOnline has been attempting to contact the business for further comment.