Record of the opening of the Royal Terrace Cantonese Restaurant in Cramlington, on 20 July, 1993, produced for the owner and attended by the Mayor and his wife. The restaurant launches with a traditional Chinese lion dance to music (mistakenly called a dragon dance) with a performance in costume through the restaurant that includes "plucking the greens" as the lion dances over lettuce and chopsticks, watched by guests and bemused children. The celebration continues with scenes of...

Record of the opening of the Royal Terrace Cantonese Restaurant in Cramlington, on 20 July, 1993, produced for the owner and attended by the Mayor and his wife. The restaurant launches with a traditional Chinese lion dance to music (mistakenly called a dragon dance) with a performance in costume through the restaurant that includes "plucking the greens" as the lion dances over lettuce and chopsticks, watched by guests and bemused children. The celebration continues with scenes of cooking Cantonese food such as dim sum, guests served a meal and socialising. The Mayor gives a speech celebrating Peter Lee, the owner, and his new venture. Title: Royal Terrace Cantonese Restaurant 4 Old Parish Hall Smithy Square Cramlington NE23 6WW Tel: (0670) 738333 Fax: (0670) 714088 The film opens showing the owner of the new restaurant Peter Lee, speaking with a couple wearing the chains of office of the local mayor and his wife. They go into the entrance of the restaurant while outside a traditional Chinese lion dance takes place. The film shows the ornate features of the lion and the loudness of the firecrackers which contribute to the spectacle. Mr Lee is shown with his relations and members of staff as the lion enters the restaurant. A lettuce is left on the floor and its leaves are plucked from it by the lion, an act which is believed will bring wealth to this new business. The ringing of gongs and cymbals accompanies the creature’s dance. The lion leaves some sticks on the floor carefully formed into a shape; possibly representing Chinese characters used in writing. The lion goes further into the restaurant. Guests sit on chairs placed next to a perimeter wall and applaud as the dancing lion goes past. Close views follow of several floral presentations as well as other ornaments and decorations which adorn the walls and tables of the restaurant. Guests are given glasses of wine by members of staff. General views follow of guests talking with staff and each other. The film cuts to the kitchen to show chefs at work in the kitchen, one prepares vegetables while others prepare other food or cook items on gas hobs. A row of cooked chickens hang on stainless steel hooks. Views follow of etched glass panels which decorate the restaurant. Guests to the opening are greeted at the door by Mr Lee and his wife. Those who have already arrived queue at the bar to collect drinks, they are also served food, buffet style. One or two guests smile at the camera, very appreciative of the food. Another group of guests sit at a round table helping themselves to dishes from a rotating platter in the centre. Mr Lee chats to guests at another table. The mayor seen earlier, speaks into a microphone to officially open the restaurant. He announces that donations being collected from guests during the evening will go to the children’s heart unit at the Freeman hospital in Newcastle. The mayor thanks everyone involved in celebrating the opening of the restaurant and he hopes they will return to it many times in the future. The mayor and his wife leave the premises. Mr Lee thanks them for attending the event and escorts them to their car. In the restaurant single carnation blooms wrapped in cellophane are handed out to female guests. As guests start to leave, Mr Lee stands near the doorway and shakes their hand and thanks them for attending. Near the doorway one of the children there holds a plastic container to collect donations for the Freeman Hospital. The film moves outside showing a view of the relatively small frontage of the single storey building. A carefully painted sign with the name of the restaurant is mounted over the doorway and window. Music is played as the film ends and fades out. Credit: Royal Terrace Cantonese Restaurant 4 Old Parish Hall Smithy Square Cramlington NE23 6WW Tel: (0670) 738333 Fax: (0670) 714088 Produced by Turner Visual Communications Newcastle-Upon-Tyne