Conflicting versions of the reason for departure of M1NT entrepreneur

Nightclub entrepreneur Alistair Paton, who once battled celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey over his London establishment, has left Hong Kong for good.

Paton (pictured, far right) arrived in the city and launched members club M1NT on Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, with Andrew Lewis (also pictured) in November 2006.

But those close to the club say relations between Paton and others involved in M1NT, including many members and shareholders, have soured over the months. 'It was a business decision,' one of them said.

Lewis, who was a school friend, said the split with Paton was 'amicable' and that he was still a minority shareholder, although he would play no role in running the club. 'I'm the one running the club now, and Alistair will concentrate on Shanghai.'

Lewis said the club would have its first shareholders' meeting before the Lunar New Year in February.

Hong Kong investors in M1NT previously expressed concern about their investments after the closure of Paton's London club in April last year.