Aquila’s owners, who vocally support the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, say they have received ‘threatening phone calls, negative online reviews, and unreasonable complaints’, reports Marco Marcelline
Aquila, a restaurant serving Hong Kong-style cuisine on Church Lane in Leytonstone, has temporarily shut its doors to customers owing to “harassment” from individuals who support Chinese communist rule.
In a statement posted on their Instagram page, Aquila said they had been on the receiving end of “threatening phone calls, negative online reviews, and unreasonable complaints” from individuals with “different views”.
Aquila stated these examples of harassment had caused “significant mental and financial stress” on its management team.
The restaurant supports the 2019-20 pro-democracy protests which were sparked by a bill that would allow prisoners in the former British colony to be extradited to mainland China for punishment.
Hong Kong was ceded from the UK to the People’s Republic of China in 1997, and is a special administrative region that maintains separate governing and economic systems from that of mainland China under the “principle of one country, two systems”.
The restaurant’s owners have been vocal in their opposition to autocratic Chinese rule, and have decorated Aquila with framed pictures of the mass pro-democracy protests. In a February interview with TimeOut, owner Vivian Wong said she wanted to tell Londoners the stories of Hongkongers, adding: “‘I’m proud of Hong Kongers. Millions of us went onto the street to protest, peacefully.”
Owner Vivian also spoke to the New York Times for a piece on abuse faced by Hongkongers from pro-Chinese activists in the UK in May, where she remarked: “They try to threaten us, but I am not afraid.”
In photos of the restaurant shared on Google, Taiwanese and British flags can be seen draped on the walls. Aquila also fly the “Blue flag” of British-run Hong Kong, which is seen as controversial on mainland China, and by those who support the communist government.
In its closure announcement, the dim sum spot also said it had recently encountered “severe hardware issues that require substantial repair investment”, leading it to make the choice to suspend its in-store operations while it works to open the restaurant at a new location.
Aquila first announced a temporary closure from 25th July to 2nd August because of the need for “emergency sewage system maintenance”. This closure was thrice extended until 25th August before the restaurant yesterday announced its indefinite closure.
The Church Lane restaurant opened in February 2022, in what was the former Percy Ingles bakery. Prior to opening Aquila, Vivian ran several takeaways in central London.
Aquila is well regarded for its mooncakes, which will still continue to be sold through its online store, and can be collected in-store starting on the 7th of September.
Aquila’s statement continued: “Despite the challenges we’ve faced, we sincerely appreciate everyone’s continued support for Aquila. Over the past two years, we’ve stood firm in our beliefs, even in the face of ongoing harassment from individuals with different views.
“Despite the temporary suspension of our in-store operations, we want to assure you that our commitment to serving you remains unwavering. Our online store will continue to operate, and mooncake production will remain unaffected. For those who have already placed orders for pick-up from Aquila, your orders can be collected from our original location starting September 7th.”
In a March 2023 review of the eatery for the Leytonstoner, food critic Stephen Emms remarked that the BYOB venue had “impressive plates” and singled out its “delicious” king prawn in salted egg dish.
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