Hobnobbing with Vinny Yu from Yu & You

So, what do Yu & You do?

Fine dining Chinese restaurant, opened in 2004 with my father Charlie Yu and brother Victor Yu, since then we have opened Yu Alderley Edge in the heart of Cheshire which has achieved numerous awards such as, Cheshire Life Food & Drink 2016 award, Legacy of Taste 2016 award as well as landing in the Top 50 Best Restaurants for square meals.

Yu & You also won the Gordon Ramsey award for best Chinese Restaurant.

What's behind the business idea?

Our concept is staying away from your typical Chinese giving a high end experience including sourcing the freshest produce, keeping up with current food trends in the market.

Was it hard becoming a business owner?

I was very fortunate to have learnt a lot through my father as we started with him and we are still learning, everyday is a learning curve.

How did you recruit your employees?

We are incredibly fortunate to have a strong team which helps the business grow more and more each day.

Was there a breakthrough moment?

Achieving Gordon Ramsey’s award for Yu & You and also all the awards at Yu Alderley Edge in such a short space of time, people now get our concept.

How well is the company doing?

Really well, growing strongly each year, we have just opened Taberu in Manchester which is a grab and go concept selling Steamed Bao Buns and Asian fusion salads, fingers crossed this will do well and expand.

Do you have any regrets, if so how did you overcome them?

Every chance and decision I have made has got me to where I am today, so how can I have any regrets, I am very lucky and grateful to be in this position.

What makes you stand out from your competitors?

My brother, Victor Yu, executive chef produces his version of traditional Chinese adding modern twist to his dishes. Also the bar has a huge range of modern and traditional cocktails too with an artistic flair that makes our stands out from the rest.

What is your definition of a positive customer experience?

We are not the cheapest Chinese by a long way but as long as customers see value in the experience when dining, this makes me feel like we are doing our job.

If you could help a business now with a single piece of advice, what would it be?

You can’t do everything yourself and if you want your business to grow you need a good strong team behind you who believes in the business.

Finally, Vinny what is your favourite biscuit?

Jammy dodger dunked in a cup of tea with a rescue spoon!

Kareema