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Oriental City Agreement Reached PDF Print E-mail
Viewpoints
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
The traders of Oriental City, the South East Asian shopping and eating mall in Colindale, North London, have reached a settlement with Development Securities who are poised to redevelop the site.

In yesterday’s announcement, Laurence Martin – Development director of Development Securities said, “Following five months of discussions with tenants involving the GLA and Brent, we’re pleased to have reached an agreement to move forward and redevelopment an exciting new OC.”

The settlement means that Oriental City traders have been allowed free rent and can remain open for business until the development starts June 2008. Julian Barwick, the joint managing director of development Securities said: “We recognise that it is not possible to temporarily relocate tenants during redevelopment and because of this there is a period of uncertainty for the tenants. Therefore, we have agreed a clear timetable for close down of the package of measures including rent free from now until closure to provide assistance to tenants.”

Although when asked if the traders would be allowed to return to the New Oriental City, Dimsum was told that the 'practicalities of a huge redevelopment' did not guarantee that they would all be in a position to return. Nevertheless, we were assured that the concept of Oriental City is protected for South East Asian businesses to fill the new development.

Nevertheless Mr Yip Fai Liu, the chairman of OCTA, said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Development Securities. We also want to make it clear to all our loyal customers that it is still very much business as usual at Oriental City for many months to come. We intend to be in business at Oriental City until next May.”

“Just as importantly we are resolved to seek a new home for the Chinese and Far Eastern communities in north-west London. Development Securities will provide temporary community facilities during the construction period for Far East community. The community facilities integral to Oriental City will be safeguarded during the redevelopment and replaced in the new building. Oriental City will continue to live on as a cultural and commercial hub for our communities.”

Although the search is still on for a new venue for the temporary community centre during the closure, Development Security has agreed to provide £250,000 for running costs. A compensation figure for the traders has also been agreed, but figures were undisclosed.

Of the outcome, Mr Liu, head of the Oriental City Traders Association, said, “Oriental city is unique; there is no way we can close for 3 years without any compensation package. 1000 trader’s families were affected by the decision to close the centre, not to mention the community and shoppers.  We fought hard and with dignity and pride, so I am happy about the settlement. I am most grateful for the help from many organisations and individuals.”

The £200million redevelopment scheme will include 300,000sq feet of shops and cafes, 520 private and affordable homes and a primary school for 420 pupils.

 
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Ben Chia - Oriental City Posted 19:41 on 13 June 2007
This is good news for the traders and if they all relocate to new temporary premises,we will be there too. We need to eat dim sums, roti chanai, mee goreng, cendol, ice kacang and etc , every Sun.
Carry on the business and we'll come.
Darren - OC Posted 22:35 on 13 June 2007
This is good news indeed but you have to be a bit sceptical of the statement about not being sure if the current tennants will all be allowed into the new development.
Here's hoping the development company have a soul and keep their word. Overall great news. See you all at the mall soon.
Sarah - Oriental City Posted 13:35 on 2 September 2007
Only just learnt about Oriental City's near escape - for now, anyway. My family live in North essex and Suffolk and we make the journey down to Colindale for a great day out, and to stock up on Japanese essentials. We come so far because there is nowhere else to go!
Andy Posted 12:53 on 14 October 2007
Wing Yip are expanding just down the road, why don't they open a food court and seize the opportunity?
Cig - Oriental City Posted 20:15 on 19 October 2007
A bit of the joke really! They're just hoping that with time people will forget about it.
I know a lot of people that travel from across the country to go there! Why?
Because there's no other place like it in the UK.
Quite a pity for a country that deems to be culturally open.
Close the only Far East food court in the UK but build a giant mosque in London.
Financial logic?!
Beast me...
REMY - IT IS A SAD JOKE Posted 18:43 on 31 December 2007
Cig,
Why on earth, in this country, whenever there is something which is convenient, liked by the majority of people, is being closed down, taken away, only for the profits of the PROPERTY DEVELOPPERS??????
Nick - Oriental City Posted 23:06 on 23 October 2007
Its a bloody waste of space, it should b demolished, and im saying that as a long-time resident of Kingsbury which is close by the location. It always seems to be emptier than a graveyard, and a funeral would be more exicteble. It really is a depressing place to go to.
Nic - Oriental City Posted 10:37 on 24 October 2007
To Nick - I am embarrassed to share a name with you. Have you ever been inside? London and the UK in general needs more culturally specific places like this which are open for all to enjoy. No where else in London can you find such an amazing food court. Open your eyes and go inside and you will find you will learn more in one day than in all your years in Kingsbury.

Long Live Oriental City.
Remy Posted 18:47 on 31 December 2007
To Nick,

Travelling, reading, observing, being opened to others cultural societies, would do you a world of good.
Barry Stone - Oriental City Posted 16:12 on 6 January 2008
Nick you are obviously a "pratt" to make a comment like that about the oriental city have a look at Kingsbury where you apparently live and see what a "dreadful" place it is with lot's of cheapskate rubbish shops there all selling substandard poor quality rubbish goods that are really only fit for the dustbin. At leasr the oriental city sells many things that are well made and useful.
sam - Oriental City Posted 13:17 on 26 October 2007
I agree with Nic. I go to Oriental city on a monthly basis for food and supplies and I always find the place to be bustling with people and activity. This is one of London's true cultural gems! Nick I'm guessing you have never really stepped foot inside Oriental City in the last few years and just want to fill our towns with soulless multiplexes and chain stores. Places like Oriental City make London the amazing place it is and to loose it will be a crime.
Rob - lobusan1@yahoo.com Posted 12:03 on 19 November 2007
Does anyone know where the traders will move to during the redevelopment? In particular the food court. Will they disperse, stick together, shut down totally?

Hopefully the spirit of the traders will prevail!

Home is where the heart (and the tasty food) is.
Emma - Oriental City Posted 10:38 on 22 November 2007
It is a real shame that we wll have to go without Oriental City for some time. And I have great sympathy for the current traders who are headed for an uncertain future.
I hope that the new development allows for the same sort of businesses and atmosphere.
You can see why they might have chosen to redevelop though. While the food court and supermarket area is a fantastic and bustling place to go, there are quieter areas with few customers and some of the shops have been vacant for some time.
Lets hope they don't mess it up, and we end up with an even bigger better Oriental City.
Louise - Oriental City Posted 19:30 on 9 December 2007
Only a long term resident of Kingsbury could find it a more exciting place than Oriental City (Nick above).
Harry - Oriental City Posted 12:16 on 16 December 2007


Sitting in Oriental City for lunch one day thinking 'My what a fine and mind opening place this is'

I can not afford many holidays but for one evening I could be in China then Japan the next evening! How great is that and especially for my children who are more advanced than nugget and chips

A bridge that brings the oriental community and the rest of north west London together in exotic light, smell and sound that is the food hall. This place will be no more. How? to be replaced by yet another soulless mall selling the usual rubbish. Why? is beyond me.
How can something so unique be taken away from people? Surely people need to break away from the norm of chain burger bars and coffee shops? Yet there is always comfort in this for some...
Ami - Oriental City Posted 14:04 on 16 December 2007
I am also a long-term resident in Kingsbury and live close to Oriental City, Just like Nick (above), but I don't see how he doesn't love Oriental City.

The food court is absolutely amazing for a quick bite (I recommend Yasai Vegetable!) and if you want something more sophisticated, the restaurant upstairs is gorgeous. Not only the food, but the arcade is really fun with bowling, shooting games and lots more. Clothes shops, jewellery and even a supermarket!

Oriental City has everything rolled into one and the atmosphere is just amazing. There is something for everyone there and I can't believe it was almost closed down.
Jag - Kingsbury residents LOVE Orien Posted 11:46 on 22 December 2007
I am a long time Kingsbury resident, and contrary to Louise's suggestion above; Kingsbury rocks! But so does Oriental City. I know loads of Kingsbury residents who absolutely worship the place. For me it's every weekend for food and every few weekends for supplies and just general browsing around the fantastic shops they have in there. Oriental City is a unique experience and one of London's best kept secrets. Enjoy it while you can!
Not Nick - re: Oriental City Posted 17:53 on 30 December 2007
Nick wrote:
Its a bloody waste of space, it should b demolished, and im saying that as a long-time resident of Kingsbury which is close by the location. It always seems to be emptier than a graveyard, and a funeral would be more exicteble. It really is a depressing place to go to.

So you find funeral more exiciting! I don't blame you as you know so much about graveyard! I do not know any graveyard in Kingsbury.Let me know, will you?
rav - OC Posted 10:59 on 20 January 2008
Going there is as invigorating as going on holiday, or the cinema or anywhere else which takes you out of yourself for a while - urban devlopment should be like that, encapsulating aspirational ideas - not reinforcing narrow viewpoints - I love the place and have done since it was the Yaohan Plaza - so its in Colindale ? - even better - it's a little like walking through a doorway in a dull street and being transported into another world & we could definately do with more places like this in the U.K.
rav Posted 11:04 on 20 January 2008
And as for "Nick", I'm sorry to to say that living in Kingsbury has contributed to a dullness of mind and spirit which has led to him believing that OC is mostly empty - or he can't stand people...?

Go there, enjoy the food on offer and stop grumbling...
Reshad Posted 17:25 on 29 January 2008
I've been down Oriental City many times. I travel from the South East, (Hertfordshire), to go and eat there and have a great time. How the hell can you Nick say it's boring?

The only time it's not busy is a Wednesday during winter. If they close down this place where can I buy my food? It's a shame they do things like this. (Places like these remind me of my travels).
mikepem - Oriental City Posted 17:48 on 31 January 2008
Nick hi - on reading the responses to your outspoken attack on OC it's easy to understand the lynch-mob mentality. If denigrating OC the way you did generates the sort of hate-mail that follows imagine what child molesters and murderers have to face. I must admit I've only been there after dark and if the car park is anything to go by it's a pretty scary place. But once inside the characteristic florescent lighting and pungent smell of oriental cooking does in some small way evoke memories of Hong Kong's Causeway Bay, the excitement of Kuala Lumpur and the chaos of Bangkok. OC does its best but nothing, as those correspondents who have experienced it, compares with the real thing. When you emerge into the main road following a visit it is unmistakably drab and dreary north London. As for me, an occasional visitor who enjoys the food and makes good use of the supermarket as well as owning what The Times has twice listed as one of the 10 best Pan Asian restaurants in southern Britain, I would be very sad to see its total disappearance. Harry, Ami, Jag and Rav above have captured the spirit of OC but I remain sceptical over its survival. I make it my business to treat everything one's told by either a council or the developer involved with immense suspicion. Both Laurence Martin and Julian Barwick have made all the right noises but has anyone had sight of their promises in an official written document? I don't know. And even then all interested parties should check out the small print. Also I find it hard to believe although he says he's trying, Mr Barwick is unable to find a temporary site while a new centre is built. I look forward to further progress reports and sincerely hope for everyone involved the whole story has a happy ending!
Barbi - Oriental City Posted 16:26 on 1 February 2008
It will be a sad, sad day when Oriental City shuts its doors for the last time. I agree with Mikepem, and would not believe a word the developers say until I saw it in black and white. I only discovered the City 4 years ago, and I make regular fortnightly trips from Stanmore to my favourite Yummy Yummy Thai for the duck curry set meal. Having lived in Hong Kong and seen the food courts there, I just loved the smell of the City and the diversity of international food shops and their vast shopping centre. I reckon that when they finally knock the place down, the small traders will be the all round losers as their previous rents will not be high enough for the new developers, who will have a lot of very large loans to pay back. Viva Oriental City!
Rainbowtrout - oriental city Posted 1:18 on 5 February 2008
I for one will boycott any development built on this site if the developers fail to keep their promises to preserve the oriental shops. Can you believe the original plans were for a B&Q and apartments? I can't imagine anything less useful! Now if all the residents of the edgware/colindale/kingsbury areas did the same we will have taught the developers a very expensive lesson indeed. Bring on mass action...
Rainbowtrout - Oriental City Posted 1:28 on 5 February 2008
Although come to think of it given the state of the current housing market the developers are probably already learning a very expensive lesson with their plans for 500+ newbuild city apartments starting 2008! The word karma springs to mind...
silvertongue - oriental city Posted 18:59 on 9 February 2008
Reply to Nick - How can you think oriental city is empty, and should be knocked down? I love going to oriental city, and will be so sad when it closes down for 3 years. I have been going there since I was a baby.
peony1144 - oriental city Posted 19:07 on 9 February 2008
Does anyone know how the new location will be publicised? I grew up in South East Asia, and Asia, and there are many foods I get at oriental city which I would not be able to get anywhere else. It is a real taste of childhood for me, and my daughter (Silvertongue), has been able to grow up with diverse tastes, and a cultural influence that will be carried on in her life. We are both so sad about the closure.
King B - oriental city Posted 17:35 on 25 February 2008
It is a real shame about Oriental City and the closure is a real loss and blow to the cultural diversity of London. I'm originally from Vancouver where there are numerous large Chinese, Korean and Japanese supermarkets and shops. It is amazing that London (being many times larger) has hardly anything. There are a few small shops here and there, but no Asian supermarkets that I am aware of. The lack of authentic Asian food in London (particularly Japanese and Korean)is quite shocking and unbelievable to me. Almost every place I visit has more authentic food (Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, etc). It must have something to do with the cost of living in London. There even used to be a Japanese department store in central London - Sogo - but it closed many years ago. So many products are completely unavailable in the UK, ever try to buy a fish grill? The Mayor of London, and the government should be encouraging more diversity and integration but they are going the exact opposite direction with all their pseudo neo-con policies and illegal immigration laws (against the EU human rights act - particularly the right to a family). Why should I obey the law, if our own government does not obey the law? It's not like they can throw me in jail (they are over 100% full in case you haven't heard). This is really turning into a terrible place to live, it is definitely not getting better and the closure of Oriental city helps to highlight this unfortunate fact.
AJ 123 - best bits of Oriental City Posted 19:01 on 26 February 2008
Can anyone tell me what the best/most authentic dishes to have at the food court at Oriental City that remind people of their home country?

Also - just interested what kind of food people would buy at the supermarket/bakers there that you can't find anywhere else - and also in terms of other things like clothes, hardware, crockery etc....
Sam - Oriental City Posted 21:44 on 8 March 2008
If London wasn't such an over priced cesspit (particularly north London - what a dump generally hey?) then cultural diversity would thrive, as far eastern and south east Asian monitories would actually be able to afford to set up in business. Spread out people, move away from over crowded, over priced, over hyped London and set up food courts in all home counties, starting, preferably, in Essex. Thanks!
Big john - Lovely food Posted 10:57 on 23 March 2008
Hmmmm .......I used to travel 100 miles once a month to eat in oriental city..great place to take the kids and wonderful food.I feel hungry just thinking about it .
sy - Food Court Posted 11:51 on 23 March 2008
It's very sad that Oriental City will be closed by June (?)... the whole concept of food court, whether it's Asian food or just a mix of different choices of food stall, is just brilliant. I cannot find anything as exciting, and with such variety, as Oriental City. London suburbs should have more of these food courts!! It's just smart business. There are so many other lands for big retail parks... why do they have to pick OC!
MS - Re - allocate Posted 11:34 on 3 April 2008
OC it's a great place to eat and enjoy the different kind of foods from asian. It is very sad if OC will be close in May or June.....

Please re - allocate OC!!!
Suphaphorn Seesopha - Oriental City Posted 17:56 on 6 April 2008
Of course it is a shame that Oriental City in London is being forced to close. I have been going there for a number of years now and its great cultural diversity is a great meeting place. I am afraid people will vote with there feet in the forthcoming mayoral elections. Goodbye Ken!
Roger - OC Posted 19:56 on 9 April 2008
Where will we go when OC closes - any answers yet? If there is such a market as you all say for SE Asian food, people will go. In Singapore the stalls in food courts sell only one or a few dishes. My friend does mobile Chinese catering - why can't the traders open a simplified food court in some other location - even outdoors, in summer
Cak - Where are they going to go? Posted 17:37 on 11 April 2008
The question has already been asked in this forum but no answer has been given. Where are all the traders going to go? Is there a list somewhere? Are some sticking together or is everyone going their separate ways?
I love OC for the food, of course, but also for the beauty salon (Prime Beauty) and hairdresser (Moda, Perry - the best hairdresser in the world). Will greatly miss going there...
J.E.F - Big question-mark Posted 17:33 on 20 April 2008
I was there today for the first time in a few months and was absolutely shocked at how full it was! All the "Save OC" signs had been taken down, and I thought that due to the present property market, maybe OC had been given a reprieve...

Not a bit of it. They are definitely closing at the end of next month, and every trader on being asked where they were moving to, asked whether I was on the mailing list. Seems THEY have no idea.

I'm not really optimistic. It seems that Oriental City/Yaohan Plaza (a place I've been going to every month since the 80s) is destined to be history. I'd love to think that it'll be recreated elsewhere (or in that travesty of a new development), but it seems to be yet another great credit to London life that's about to be consigned to history.

RIP Oriental City. You were dearly loved...
Jane - Get it while you can! Posted 21:59 on 24 April 2008
Went in to Oriental City for lunch today for probably one of the last times.

:-(
Sarah Posted 20:38 on 27 April 2008
More profit and money grabbing for the ass developers. I'm so amazed how they take their pride so seriously. I've reliezed how much there are over car displays in Colindale and compared to one 'oriental city' in the whole country they want to destroy something cultural and meaningless of all more populated apartments or schools..
I presume they don't relieze how common and non-unqiue they are.
Tory - Ken Posted 23:57 on 1 May 2008
Ken, guess what? I didn't vote for you today. Sorry there won't be a next time, but if there was...you should grow some balls and respect the diversity of London.
Danny - why... Posted 14:29 on 2 May 2008
I just got to say why....?
Lina - Closed? Posted 11:50 on 4 May 2008
Does anyone know exactly when the closing date is?
Steve - Temporary Venue Posted 23:22 on 5 May 2008
What date exactly will the oriental city close and where and when will a temporary venue be open????
Rebecca - Closing date Posted 17:16 on 6 May 2008
I have heard it is the end of May.
More importantly; where do I now go for my weekly fix of S.E Asian food? Where? Where? Really quite a blow to my weekend habits.
??? - isit closed Posted 18:04 on 6 May 2008
is it closed yet?
Kevin - end of May: end of OC :-( Posted 22:38 on 18 May 2008
looks like the end of May and no going back. I was there today and chatted to a few of the stall holders and they don't seem to have managed to find somewhere that they can all shift to en masse. Some will probably open "one off" stalls in various places (one woman mentioned Finchley Road station) but it just won't be the same as having them all together like they are now. I hope in the longer term something along the lines of what OC is like now will come again: surely it's a viable business opportunity? but for now we'll all just have to live without it. I'll miss you OC!!!!
Bye Bye - Bye Bye Posted 9:41 on 24 May 2008
The final day is Sunday 01 June. Traders will close at 7pm that day for the last time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_City
HarryT - OC new venue Posted 20:09 on 30 May 2008
Does anyone know anything about a new Wembley site that is rumoured to be a potential new food court?
Des - Croydon - OC Last day Posted 19:42 on 1 June 2008
I was there today and the whole place was just buzzing... More so than usual i must say, which just makes the whole thing even more sad for me. I have been coming here for years, back when it was called Yaohan or (Bat Bat Boon for the Chinese speakers)and i never thought this day would come for this place. I believe this was the last bastion of a truly culturally diverse place in London. Nowhere else is there such accessible food for so many array of different people of different cultures, everyone eats together, sharing tables, talking to strangers and all suffering that same god awful heat that gets trapped in that place! The experience of eating there on a busy afternoon is rivalled only in asia for its intensity and sheer chaos.

I really hope there will be an OC2 somewhere in London as a replacement, it would be an awful shame to lose such a magnificent stage for all people to eat, talk and share together. Where else is there such cultural harmony in London?
rolland - new site? Posted 14:05 on 9 June 2008
any one know where the new site is and the post code so i can put it into my sat nav

shame its gone now

didn't even get time to pop down for the last time

thanks
Caroline Posted 20:58 on 12 June 2008
I have been going to the fantastic Yoahan Plaza/Oriental City for many years. The food hall was a place where you could get the most wonderful and diverse food without having to sit in the formality of a restaurant. The atmosphere was great and it was such a great place to escape to away from the dull routine of daily life. Now its gone and there is nowhere even remotely similar to go. Reading all these comments I can see that there are like minded people to myself who are angry and upset that Oriental City is gone. Surely another food hall could be set up locally. I agree with a comment made above that suggested the Wing Yip in Cricklewood. There is nowhere to go now. If I want to have a lovely lunch in a buzzing, relaxed and informal atmosphere where do I go? There is nowhere. I hope that I'm wrong but I fear we will never see its like again.
Aida - OC Posted 20:30 on 16 June 2008
I heard OC was closing but wasn't sure of exact date. We drove 40 miles on Saturday 14 June - in the hope of having our lunch there and to my shock tinged with such sadness, the back road heading to the card park was closed off! Which only meant one thing....! I sorely miss my Malaysian food, esp the Roti Canai, and the supermarket where I can stock up with my Maggi Mee and F&N Sarsi! And I miss the atmosphere too! *sob* *sob*
Cathy - OC Posted 0:32 on 21 June 2008
It's such a shame really. My 10 yr old son asked if we could go to OC food court tomorrow (Sat) for his favourite Hainanese Chicken Rice and my 5yrs old's said he liked the S'pore Fried Keow Teow while my hubby's favourite..the authentic Malaysian Nasi Lemak Ayam as for me, I 'usually' share with my 5 yr old cos' the portion is usually big. My boys were so dissapointed when I told them that the mall has shut down due to redevelopment. They kept asking where and when can they eat their favourite food again and I can't give them an answer. Can anyone tell me if they have moved to a temporary location? Especially the Malaysian cuisine stall..original!..my hubby will never missed his opportunity to eat his favourite Nasi Lemak Ayam every time we go there when we have a chance.

So..so..sad!
London-RIP - RIP Oriental City Posted 0:33 on 28 June 2008
Such a shame - this is another London gem we've lost. Read more about it and other much-missed London places at [url]http://www.london-rip.com/orientalcity.html
[/url]
heather - oriental city a haven Posted 15:00 on 26 July 2008
I absolutely loved yaohan plaza/ oriental city.

Especially when the bookshop was there.
It was the best way to escape London for a few hours and surround myself with Japanese fashion magazines and the best dumplings in london. The food court was amazing and I must have brought all of my friends there at varying times. What was wrong with Oriental City was not the location, but the blatant inability to really push the advertising as a thing to visit when you were in london. I never saw it advertised in what's on, time out or general press and so new clients were never destined to come and traders missed out on a massive share of the tourist pound. I travelled up from camden all the time, and spent lots of money in the food court, bakeries, bookshop and supermarket.

I loved the eccentric, imported fashion and jewelry.

I am a not Asian, and that was one of the few places in London that made me really happy to be.

I didn't like so much the shops that had lower quality items, I think it cheapened the better shops in the mall and it put me off at times.

What we were looking for was lots of exotic foods and unique clothing and items we could give to our friends as gifts. I did a lot of christmas shopping there for my friends.

I miss the place terribly.

Will it be re built for the asain community? ie: Japanese, Malaysian, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, etc. ? Or is it going to be something else?
heather - list of restaurants Posted 15:18 on 26 July 2008
Does anyone know where the different restaurants are now situated?

Is there a list, location in oriental city: current location list somewhere?

They must be losing lots of business with no one knowing where they are.

I am after the thai one that made the sorbets.
Yap - Oriental City Mart in Queenswa Posted 17:14 on 26 July 2008
I just found out that the supermart is located in Queensway or nearby Bayswater station. It's just next to Mandarin Kitchen.
Trish - Food stalls Posted 17:29 on 6 August 2008
Where have any of them gone?? My family and I really miss it there! I miss my sesame prawn toasts something chronic!
Ookami - China City Restaurant Posted 17:34 on 18 August 2008
China City Restaurant is due to open very soon (last time I checked) in Wing Yip at Staples corner (Cricklewood), but it looks smaller than their original home in Oriental City.
Ben Chia - Oriental City @ Wing Yip Posted 23:00 on 18 August 2008
Wing Yip Business Centre Cricklewood will not be able to house all the food stalls. So it's China City Restaurant that is going to be there - didn't know about that. We have been to different places since the closure, Golden Palace Harrow, Lung Fung Alperton, Lontosa Harrow, but not as good as Oriental City. Now, due to low demand and higher costs, the developer Peter Virdee B&S could not proceed with the plan as they have no money to pay Development Securities, the owner. So, loan is given till later this year. What a mess!
OC RIP - One trader relocated Posted 12:57 on 19 August 2008
I left my email address with as many of the stalls as I could, but have only had one message about relocation. The Malaysian foodstall which was outside the Durian Centre has started a small restaurant in S. Islington, and sent out the message below.
----------------------------------------
To all our dear customers,
At long last PUJI PUJI is now here and ready to open to the public.

To those of you that know us well and for the few that don’t; our location in the now departed Oriental City was based just outside the mains doors. This was at the time a great spot for us, as we were able to attract many onlookers with our delicious range of Malaysian food andthe aromatic barbeque scent of freshly made satay.

Well! We are proud to offer our services once again to you at our new and improved location in Islington at No. 122 Balls Pond Rd, N1 4AE.

Bus Route:

30, 277, 56, and 38

It has taken a lot of hard work and perseverance to get our new location ready for you and we hope that you will once again acquaint us with your presents; Where we guarantee to you great service and great food ranging from our delicious beef rendang to our fusion Lamb shanks, Nasi lemak and our specialise dishes char coal satay dishes. We will looking foward in seeing you soon.
Regards,

PUJI PUJI LTD
--------------------------------------

We went there last week. The food was as good as ever but the cost was unfortunately much higher - inevitable I suppose because of the overheads of running a restaurant as compared with a stall.

If anyone knows if any of the other traders have started businesses, please post details.
OCwhere? - Thanks Posted 21:24 on 19 August 2008
Thanks OC RIP, if you get more emails like this please let us know :)
Daren - shame Posted 18:13 on 22 August 2008
I cant believe they closed it :(

This was the only place i have been to in my life where i never got one dirty look and it was safe for family's to visit any time night or day to go to - its fuc..ng bu..sh.. they closed it
- someone should hang for this !!
siew - opened yet? Posted 23:06 on 26 August 2008
does anyone know if the dim sum restaurant is opened at the wing yip store in cricklewood yet???
Sami - I weep for Oriental City Posted 21:34 on 29 August 2008
I was reminded of OC today after breaking my favourite bowl from the Japanese ceramic shop... back in the day, I'd have gone to get a new one, and had some delectable sushi or vietnamese soup, or maybe some roast duck & char siu... and stocked up on my favourite asian products in the supermarket... and I'd have driven 80 miles to do it.

I am so unbelieveably GUTTED about this. If I had money to my name, I'd have started to find investors to open a new equivalent. The food hall was unparralelled in its diversity and value for money, the supermarket superb, and the range of other shops was great as well. Future incarnations could be slightly smaller, but THERE MUST BE ANOTHER ORIENTAL CITY. FINANCIERS UNITE!
OC RIP - Another opening Posted 18:38 on 3 September 2008
OK - got a second email about another restaurant just opened. Haven't been to it though.

----------------------------------------

feringgi bay

(Known as Oriental Garden)

Remember us? We were Oriental Garden (东方美食) from Oriental City. If your answer is yes, I'm sure that you still remember our foods & ice kacang. Now, we are not only serving the former menu, we have appointed the Dim Sum master from Hong Kong to serve Dim Sum (oriental snack/appetiser) as well.

Feeling hungry? Our new restaurant which accommodates approximately 50 customers is now opened. Guess what? We are still in Colindale!!! Our new location is 255, Edgware Road, London NW9 6LU, which is next to the Barclays Bank in Colindale. Our opening hours is from 10am to 11pm, 7 days a week.

After the closing down of Oriental City, we received a lot of feedback & suggestion from our valued customer that they hope that we manage to open somewhere nearby. We made it! We welcome you to our new restaurant and hope to see you soon. Any enquiries please contact us at 07917 032 137 or 07900 242 600. Thank you for all your support.

----------------------------------------

Also, went to the Wing Yip store at Staples Corner. Was told the restaurant there will not open for several months but that there will be a cafeteria, and that's going to start in a week or so.
Anonymous Posted 1:35 on 23 September 2008
Just been reading all these comments and about people asking where to eat Dim Sum but I'm shocked that no one has mentioned about Alisan, which is right next to Wembley Stadium... So far it's one of the best places to have Dim Sum in the North West London area... Give the Shanghai dumplings and Sweet Black Sesame Ball a try...

If anyone who is interested they have a homepage at http://www.alisan.co.uk/

As for the cafeteria in Wing Yip that has already openned and I hear that the new Chinese restaurant in Wing Yip will be open before Christmas time.
Dapprman - Wing Yip Restaurant and Cafete Posted 14:56 on 27 September 2008
I was there two weekend back and neither is open yet. I got the impression from a member of the Wing Yip staff that the contractors are messing them around and neither will open that soon.

I for one now go to The Golden Palace in Harrow. It's good, but then you miss out on the ability to go shopping afterwards.
Sue - Japanese china ware shop Posted 21:48 on 3 October 2008
Does anybody know where the Japanese china ware shop has moved to? I love the bowls, plates, teapots etc they sell!! They are such lovely pieces to accompany your food and drink.
Jo - OC Posted 23:58 on 4 October 2008
This was such a cool place, food was so good. Can't really get this experience anywhere else (including China Town). Just hope they reopen with everybody soon
Mihn - OC to re-open Posted 15:22 on 9 October 2008
What are the rumours about OC will re-open?
honey - jewellery store Posted 23:29 on 13 October 2008
does anyone know where the jewellery store in the OC moved to? They sold lovely jewellery sets in coral,jade and other stones...
deepipe - jewellery store Posted 16:17 on 20 October 2008
I have their businees card since I bought something for my Mrs for fer birthday.

Co&Co Jewllery
8-10 Princess Arcade
Piccadilly, London SW1Y 6DS
020 3206 2088
07748 655 992
Mik Smiff - Never Reopening Posted 15:48 on 24 October 2008
Just read this, seems the offer of relocation was just hogwash to cloud the closure issue. Miss you, Oriental City.

www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/business/3711597.BARNET__Traders_ struggling_after_Oriental_City___s_closure_/
Dallan - Thanks to all Posted 14:06 on 27 October 2008
The link above from Mik Smiff is very interesting.

Yip Fai Liu, chairman of Oriental City Traders’ Association: “With the credit crunch the way it is, I don’t see the development being completed within seven years, and I can’t see Oriental City tenants moving back for ten years. I think it will be lost forever.”

Thank you all for the updates, please keep them coming, especially if you have news of new locations for some the food stalls.

The Thai place (YummyYummyThai) was always one of my personal favorites.
OC RIP - Rumour about OC Posted 14:47 on 4 November 2008
An architect I know said he has heard that the developers have not been able to manage the finance, and that the development will not now go ahead. He thinks that OC will re-open.

I should stress this is a rumour, no more, and not be relied on without corroboration.
Dapprman - Hope it's true Posted 1:39 on 8 November 2008
Just upgraded my mobile phone and on the old one I found a video I took during the Chinese New Year celebrations 4.5 years ago. Would love to be able to take a new one in higher quality.
I WANT TO TASTE THE FOOD AGAIN Posted 13:13 on 12 November 2008
I WAS HEART BROKEN WHEN I FOUND OUT THEY WERE CLOSING , I LIKED THEM ALL , IT WAS GO GREAT AS YOU COULD PICK FROM THE ONES YOU LOVED MOST AND HAVE A WHOLE BUNCH OF TASTES, CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHERE I CAN FIND THIS AGAIN ??? PLEASE SET UP SOMETHING AS IT WAS THE BEST....
Ben - Bring OC back Posted 20:17 on 15 November 2008
Bring Oriental City back PLEASE,PLEASE, PLEASE. 6 months have gone by and I have Not found any place as good as OC.
What have you DEVELOPER SECURITIES & BRENT COUNCIL done to destroy such a good place? Greed, ya?
Zoe - Japanese crockery shop Posted 13:16 on 28 November 2008
I broke one of my favourite bowls with Tama the cat on his holiday in London, does anyone know where I can get another one. Have tried China town, japan center, Wing yip and other shops. So sad.
cornel - hainan food Posted 19:49 on 29 November 2008
does anybody know iof the shangrui-la has relocated??? Or anywhere else that does that style of food??
Wing - Yummy Thai new location Posted 5:28 on 14 December 2008
Hi, we used to run the Yummy Yummy Thai stall @ OC. We have started to run a restaurant, so it is a bit different to before. It is located in Northwood Hills (zone 5, Met line) & you can check it out here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=105662735012 or just search for us as "Yummy Tai Chi" on Facebook.

Unfortunately, we have not been able to do everything that we used to have on our menu yet, but we will try to slowly work our way back to adding more of your favourites!

& of course, you can always ask for spicy if it doesn't say!
OC RIP - Szhechuan noodle stall Posted 14:09 on 15 December 2008
Does anyone know what happened to the guy who made the fresh noodles and served szhechuan food. They left a few months before the OC closed. Later some other people took over the stall, but they didn't do fresh noodles and weren't as good.

The name of the original was King something I think, though I may be wrong about that. It was fantastic food, though extremely hot. I'd love to have some again.
Nic - OC - where it is? Posted 13:54 on 21 December 2008
Does anyone know, if OC has been relocatted somewhere? Or when the new one will open? I miss the buzz, the food, the culture!!
Brenda - Malay Kuih Posted 22:53 on 29 December 2008
Does anyone know if the Malay family who sold Kuih, Curry puffs and a few rice dishes on weekends (just opposite the entrance to the supermarket) are selling their stuff anywhere else? Their stuff was so good!
Jimmy of Stanmore - Lemon Grass and the Indian Posted 20:06 on 1 January 2009
Does anyone know if the Indian food stall (sorry - I've forgotten the name) and the Malaysian stall "lemon grass" have re-opened anywhere? I left my contact details with the Indian, and they said they were likely to re-open in the Wembley area in August. But I've seen and heard nothing.
Eric - Wonderful Pattisserie Posted 19:43 on 5 January 2009
A new Chinese Cafe is being built just to the entrance of Rookery Way along the Hyde on the Edgware Road called "Wonderful Pattisserie". Not sure when it will open but looks pretty soonish and unsure if the owners were originally from Oriental City.
Kammi - Reindeer Cafe Posted 16:23 on 6 January 2009
I also went to OC. It's Great! Soo Sad its gone. The experience was the Best! everything under one roof!
Has anyone tried the new Reindeer Cafe in WingYip? They are pretty good. They have good roast dishes and lots of nice chinese buns too!! Best closest thing to OC i guess! Near the area as well!
Ching Mao Fung - Reindeer Cafe Posted 14:36 on 7 January 2009
I have to agree with Kammi here. Having tried it for the first time myself, they are very yummy. Buns, noodles and rice under 1 roof... couldnt ask for more
Sutera - Any Info Posted 14:22 on 9 January 2009
I MISS OC....
I remember I went with my class a year and a few months back, we didn't get to see much coz everything was closed because that was the day they were having some petition thing...
But still, everyone had a good time because the supermarket was open and they had some AWESOME groceries.

OC MUST OPEN!!!
How could you take that away?!

The only thing that keeps me happy now are the Manga expo's that come every year at Excel...
That's how close i can get ot the feeling OC gave me...

Is it true their re opening? if so, where? when? MUST KNOW!

Contact meh: Pleasantly_disturbed@hotmail.co.uk
Sam - Bad news Posted 15:30 on 9 January 2009
Looks like the developers who bought OC have gone bust. They invited the Supermarket guys (who also managed the food court) to come back but they've said it's too late. They've already signed a 5 year lease on their new premises so won't be returning.

Some of the food court stall holders are considering going back, but they want to be sure they'll be allowed to be there for a long time & not booted out again.
Dapprman - Supermarket Posted 22:25 on 9 January 2009
I'm not sure the supermarket group not coming back is such an issue, they were already a chain and had only been there for a few years. Perhaps the original supermarket may consider moving back in if costs were to be a lot cheaper.
miamai - japanese ware shop Posted 15:28 on 10 January 2009
does anyone know where japanese sale bowl plates cup....is?could not find or you still open somewhere .let us know please.
Brenda - Japanese bowl/plates shop Posted 15:13 on 11 January 2009
This is a reply to Miamai

The japanese plate shop 'Utsuwa-No-Yakata' according to their web site no longer has a shop in London. You can sometimes find a small selection of the same types of bowls etc in TK Maxx stores around the country. Hope this helps
Jan Bednarczyk email jansbed_ - Oriental City Posted 14:56 on 13 January 2009
Im afraid that people who believe there will be some kind of reopening of O.C. are likely to be disappointed. No traders would be willing to move back there without cast-iron guarantees they wont be moved out again in the near future. O.C. has special memories for me, of course: I took my future wife there as part of our first date (she is Filipina but hadnt been there before). This is a particularly run-down and depressing area of NW London: immediately opposite is an old factory building that has lain empty for at least 20 years. Why couldnt this and similar sites in the area have been selected for recevelopment in the first place rather than O.C? Its my guess that the present owner of the site will try to weather the economic crisis and wait for site values to rocket afterwards, then sell it off to some fly-by-night property developer. Im SO sorry O.C. closed !!!!
Nevile Robinson - Re-opening of Oriental City Posted 17:17 on 18 January 2009
We heard today (at Wing Yip) that O.C. is to reopen later this year....because the 'developers' had not been able to get the loans/mortgage to redevelop the site as originally intended.
If this is so, then many thousands of loyal O.C. shoppers will excited, pleased,happy...and will flood back.
Nick - Highly Unlikely Posted 22:46 on 28 April 2009
Hi Nevile,

It's unlikely that O.C. will ever reopen again. The previous traders have rejected Dev Sec offer, as they do not want to be booted out again, short term no.

Regds,
Nick
Johnnie Choo - Re-opening of Oriental City Posted 14:03 on 27 January 2009
Blame Brent council for the current stalemate. They were the ones that gave planning permission for the demolition of Oriental City to be replaced with 500 new 'tissue box' apartments, and brokered the sale to a consortium led by Development Securities PLC which is now near enough bust. Development Securities was ALREADY in trouble way before 2006 when the planning go-ahead was given a greenlight. Brent council were aware of this but pulled the wool over its own eyes so it could fulfil its social housing quota and win desperately needed brownie points from central government. Brent council is supposed to develop local communities not deconstruct them with a short-termist approach of stack'em an pack'em. Shame on Brent council, there should be a public enquiry held instead of all concerned parties hiding behind the 'credit-crunch' smoke screen.
Katsumi Talbot - Re-opening? Posted 18:57 on 1 February 2009
I cannot believe how stupid they were - to sell such a place and then for the deal to fall flat on its face. The amount of people who suffered for nothing! Plus surely the logical route would have been to develop other property nearby to OC, thus using it as a pull in for potential buyers. Without OC Colindale is just another run down ghost town area with nothing for miles.... I do hope they re-open...
j thomas - zen cx Posted 16:25 on 6 February 2009
For many years my family have been going to OC, shared many celebrations at the zen cx restaraunt and enjoyed the friendly welcome from staff. what a shame they have taken away an absolute gem of a place
mikey Posted 19:00 on 16 February 2009
i do hope that OC would open again i know where some of the vendors have temporarily moved to
Ben Chia - Lido Restaurant ex-OC Posted 18:23 on 22 February 2009
This restaurant is now operating in Harrow, Station Road near Tesco. Food is good and servers are friendly. We like the seatings and a fishpond. Try it out.
Ben Chia - Lido Restaurant Posted 18:29 on 22 February 2009
Ben Chia wrote:
This restaurant is now operating in Harrow, Station Road near Tesco. Food is good and servers are friendly. We like the seatings and a fishpond. Try it out.


Sorry, it's called Taste Of China Restaurant.
Anonymous Posted 18:44 on 22 February 2009
'Taste of China' suggests it offers authentic dishes of China.
Is it near the old Oriental Center?
Ben Chia - re: Posted 21:36 on 22 February 2009
Anonymous wrote:
'Taste of China' suggests it offers authentic dishes of China.
Is it near the old Oriental Center?


No, it's situated in Harrow, off Harrow-on-the-Hill. Well, next to Lontosa Malaysian Restaurant. Opposite the car park of Debenhams, Harrow.
suzie - is it re-opening or not??? Posted 20:49 on 26 February 2009
We also loved visiting OC on many occassions- if the food court and supermarket owners are now tied to a new lease somewhere else- how can OC reopen and be as good as it once was? I don't get it either- I've seen far more run down mall's in the uk- that are left alone- with many shops closed down- the OC was not really 'run down' and it was a lovely place to go to, what is the deal now then? doesnt anyone know somewhere we could call up and ask?
Edwina Lee - Hi Suzie Posted 1:13 on 1 March 2009
I expect we'll hear about it through the news and the grapevine after they've got it sorted.

Wikipedia has an article about the OC
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_City
Ben Chia - OC Derelict Building Posted 18:53 on 2 March 2009
Oriental City is derelict now, a ghost building. Owner has no money to do anything still £52M to pay up Dev Sec. Previous traders rejected his offer to come back cos they have their own leases of 5 yrs or more. Read petervirdee.com...Too late guys!
Ben Chia - OC traders scattered Posted 19:04 on 2 March 2009
Oriental City traders have been surprisingly circumspect about their plans for the future. Utsuwa-no-Yakata were collecting names and addresses in a book with a view to letting customers know their new address in due course (nothing heard by late January 2009); the Oriental City Supermarket reopened and is already well established at a new location near Whiteley's in Queensway, Bayswater; the Hamazaki Bakery announced that they were moving to 82 Totteridge Lane, N.20, but it is uncertain whether that has happened. Koreana (former Oriental City Koreana) open take-away cum restaurant is at 32 Headstone Drive, Harrow HA3 5QJ. Yummy Tai Chi (formerly Yummy Yummy Thai in the food hall) has opened a restaurant at 83 Joel Street, Northwood Hills, HA6 1LU.[5]. Ferenggi Bay (formerly Oriental Garden) has opened close to Oriental City in the Hyde, Colindale (255 Edgware Road, NW9 6LU, next to Barclays Bank. Puji Puji (formerly the satay stall outside the Centre & next to the car park) has opened as a restaurant in Islington (122 Balls Pond Road, Islington, London, N1 4AE). Wonderful Patisserie is (Jan. 2009) about to open a new shop with cafe / restaurant on the ground floor of Hyde House, next to Homebase, on the Edgware Road at West Hendon
cameron - oriental city Posted 18:57 on 24 March 2009
when I was a child I spent many hours in oriental city, alot of the tim admiring the place it was individual and unique it was something north west london really needed. now its gone just like that beacause of developers and their money it really is sad to see it fall down like that
I'd like to see it put back where it was and keep it how it was a lovely cultural place that london is missing!
george - stall with the different drink Posted 1:14 on 22 June 2009
hi

which stall that sold the different drinks e.g. coconut sorbet, watermelon slush coconut milk with red bean etc.

also where i might the stall?

can you pls reply to me via e-mail- georgepineda@hotmail.com
Ben - Assam Laksa Posted 22:59 on 26 March 2009
Where could I find assam laksa? Not in downtown London,please as it's too difficult to park the car.
Ronald Waterman Posted 3:09 on 30 March 2009
It is now April 2009 . Still nothing appears to have been done at the site , does anybody know where the little chinese food court relocated to ? I am eagerly awaiting a delicious chinese meal there once more .
Tel-Online - Light at the end of the tunnel Posted 13:27 on 11 April 2009
http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=297&storycode=3137445&c=1

Dev Secs said: ‘We are now giving careful consideration to the options open to us to extract value from this property, including seeking an alternative planning consent, an operational partnership to re-open the existing building for retail activity or an outright sale.’

Good and bad in that. Just maybe it means one option being considered is reopening with a view to it being as before. Or as close as possible, considering some of the old tenants won't come back.
Ben Chia - Dim Sum-Taste Of China Posted 22:31 on 19 April 2009
Hi all,
Been to this dim sum restaurant in Harrow and they have new dishes such as Chai Po Char Kueh, Fried Spicy Cheung Fun and more. Excellent dishes for the taste buds.
This restaurant is from ex-Oriental City called Lido Restaurant.
Service is very good and waiters/waitresses are friendly.
mikey Posted 10:00 on 3 May 2009
They will reopen Oriental City later this year. Not all tenants will come back. There is no definite date of the reopening.
how - re: Posted 20:20 on 9 May 2009
mikey wrote:
They will reopen Oriental City later this year. Not all tenants will come back. There is no definite date of the reopening.


Mikey, just playing devil's advocate for more info, how do you know this?
Dapprman - how #2 Posted 8:58 on 15 May 2009
I'd like to know as well.

I'd also like to know about moderation around here as some one from the demolition company posted about the state of the inside (the internals being ripped out). I'd love to know why this was pulled. Also if it was true then there's no way OC could be re-opened with out considerable expenditure (which I doubt anyone could afford at the moment).

I'd love to see OC re-open and be like before (especially the food court), however I just don't see how it is possible.
mikey Posted 8:41 on 16 May 2009
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_City
Dapprman - on Wiki Posted 11:42 on 17 May 2009
There's nothing there bar some speculation, plus I'd not trust anything on Wiki, just use the reference links to find the real information.
Alaina - :'( Posted 1:43 on 25 May 2009
Brings tears to my eyes to think that they'll never re-open this place. Like others, I have been visiting OC since I was a baby! That's nineteen years under the belt!

I can't believe they'd even consider shutting a place down like this to build houses or another B&Q! There's plenty of those scattered across the country, and ONE Oriental City. Chinatown pales in comparison!

I also agree with the poster who mentioned OC being one of the few places he did not receive dirty looks. In the UK it seems to be us Asians that get more stick for our race, I personally cannot go into my town centre without receiving abuse! OC certainly made me feel very at home.

BASTARDS.
Anon - censorship? Posted 7:09 on 6 June 2009
what happened to the comment about the supermarket selling all their fittings? just because it might not reflect well is no reason to delete it. personally i think this is normal practice for a company going out of business - liquidate all the assets.

the comment also contained what i thought was very interesting news that the company responsible for the new development has gone out of business, seeming to imply that OC was shut down for no reason in the end.

let's have an open discussion here without censorship!
Anonymous Posted 1:18 on 22 June 2009
anyone knows where the stall might be that sells all the different drinks that was next to the malaysian stall and dim sum?

im dying for a coconut sorbet, watermelon slush and coconut milk with red bean.

if you know please e-mail me at georgepineda@hotmail.com

ty
Jay - Wishing for OC to Return! Posted 1:08 on 25 June 2009
I love OC! It was where I had my first date, enjoyed birthdays, family dinners, quick snack after school and fond memories I really don't want to forget... one time I had a cucumer shoved in my mouth and this guy chopped it off with a sword!

It was perfect - dinner, shops, Sega Dome and a place for a little coffee or tea. The only thing it perhaps lacked was a bit more entertainment (in recent years) really.

Heard a load of rumours from family who have gone to Wing Yip and stuff like that. My aunt knows the previous OC owners, and has heard rumblings but nothing concrete really.

I can't believe it's been over a year since it shut down, and I seriously miss the place like crazy. Cried on the way home!!

Driven past less than a month ago and it's still standing, doing nothing - could have made a load of money if they let it run. OC could have just done small refurbishments like they had been doing - new chairs, maybe getting in some other entertainment and regular shows.

Really really hope it comes back - but then again it really won't be the same without the traders :(

Anyone remember the Chinese food stall in the Food Court (first on the right that's been there ever since) - they've relocated to Camden Town. Don't mind Camden's stalls, good prices and it feels similar - but not quite the same though I think I've adopted Camden as the "new" OC lol.

China Town is similar, but Oriental stalls/markets close so early!
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