Crispy duck is back

Crispy duck is back on the menu at restaurants across Chinatown in London after a ban on modifying the traditional gas ovens has been removed.

In June, Westminster City Council permanently closed ovens or issued notices saying they must be replaced with models which meet higher standards.

Law firm Davenport Lyons was instructed by several Chinese restaurants in Chinatown and Queensway. The main concern was that the council had refused to allow the appliances to be modified – only replaced. But no suitable replacement with a 'CE' mark existed.

After months an agreement has finally been reached that the ovens can be modified by certified CORGI engineers. The council has now confirmed that the appliances are in a safe condition and they have been re-commissioned.

Alun Thomas, a partner in the leisure department at Davenport Lyons, said: "This has been a very frustrating time for our clients, who have lost thousands of pounds a week in revenue. But they're delighted that the litigation has finally been settled on an amicable basis. Unfortunately, this fight is not necessarily over – there remains the likelihood that similar issues will arise in London and elsewhere."

Words: Maria Bracken

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