RESTAURATEUR Kin Lau seems to be following in the footsteps of his predecessor when it comes to style and success.

For years, Slattery's Patisserie has been a landmark building in Whitefield.

When award-winning baker John Slattery moved his business across the road to the Mason Arms, his transformation of the former pub resulted in a magnificent centrepiece for Bury New Road.

The old patisserie was snapped up by Mr Lau and he has ploughed significant investment into a business that he hopes will put Whitefield on the map.

The China Lounge Cantonese restaurant opened recently after several months of renovation.

Mr Lau (29) wanted a modern, contemporary look and has achieved it with natural furnishings, in browns and creams.

The restaurant specialises in traditional Cantonese dishes with a contemporary twist -- thanks to an authentic Cantonese head chef.

And the a la carte menu is available each evening from 5pm to midnight. A special lunch menu is also available from noon to 2pm on Thursday and Friday.

The China Lounge is the second restaurant for Mr Lau, who also has The Chinese Pavilion in Westhoughton.

His latest venture was launched three weeks ago with a lavish welcome party and an Elvis impersonator.

Since the opening, restaurant has quickly become the place to be seen, with customers including Coronation Street stars Nikki Sanderson, who plays Candice, and Casey Lee Jolleys, who played Thai bride Orchid Pattaya.

Mr Lau said: "We have had lots of positive comments about The China Lounge since we opened. People think it is something different for Whitefield and that is what I wanted to achieve. I hope to cater for the community and give something back to the community by providing a different and contemporary environment."