ONE of Salisbury's best-loved restaurants has closed after 31 years in business.

The Jade, in Exeter Street, has been serving Cantonese and Chinese cuisine for more than three decades and has long been regarded by many as one of the best places to eat in the city.

Owners Joe and Marguerite Yeung, who opened the restaurant in 1985, have posted a notice on the door that reads: "We regret to inform you that after 31 years, the Jade restaurant is now closed for business.

"It is sooner than we had hoped (plan was to close Christmas Eve) but due to health reasons it simply wasn't possible.

"We would like to thank all the customers who have supported us over the years, it has truly been a pleasure to serve you.

"Best wishes, Joe and Marguerite."

The Jade was known for its freshly caught seafood.

Customers who ordered lobster would be introduced to their supper in person as Mr Yeung would bring the live crustaceans to the table for selection before explaining how he would cook them.

And those who ordered the sea bass were treated to a show of skill as he skinned and de-boned the whole steamed fish at the table in seconds, using nothing but a spoon, a fork and a single chopstick.

The restaurant earned rave reviews online, with customers declaring it "the best food we have ever eaten", "the best Chinese I have ever had".

Regular customer Jeremy Holt said: "Without any shadow of a doubt the Jade was the best Chinese restaurant in the south of England. Where else can you get fresh lobster and crispy squid? It was a wonderful dining experience. Dare I say it, the Jade was second to none."