It's been two long years and a lot of hard work, but the duo behind Goodramgate's La Piazza Antica are hoping to open their Italian restaurant in the next week or so.
Work is still in progress, but Desio Franca and Arjan Boci say it will be a classic Italian menu with a few twists.
The business will employ 15 to 20 people, up to 110 people, and will be open seven days a week from noon to 10 p.m.
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“We didn't want to change too much about the building given its history, but we have a completely new kitchen, a brand new bar in the back of the restaurant, and everything brand new in terms of equipment,” Desio said.
“This has been a long journey. When we started working on this, we thought it was just going to be regulatory, but there's a lot of work to be done and we're almost there now.
“We have never been so happy to meet a ghost!
“We have had a lot of customers come in and ask when we will reopen and stop by for a chat and we can’t wait to welcome them back.”
Mr Arjan has worked for 10 years at La Vecchia Scuola, at 62 Row Petergate, one of Desio's other York operations, and the old La Piazza restaurant is where he worked. He says it has a personal connection to him, as it is where he met his wife, Anna, during his time there. Just for a little while with her.
As reported by the Press at the time, the leasehold interest in the Grade I listed building was put up for sale in 2020 with an asking price of £150,000 at the time.
And at that time, the business had been owned and operated by Emilio Comito and his family for 25 years before they sold it to enjoy their retirement.
The history of late medieval half-timbered buildings dates back to the late 15th or early 16th century.
The building is owned by the York Conservation Trust due to its age and history, which includes the fascinating story of Yorkshire's saddest ghost, Marmaduke Buckle, who lived on the site from 1697 to 1715. Masu.
Marmaduke was a disabled man, and after being accused of witchcraft, he carved his name into walls and beams and committed suicide by hanging himself. This sculpture can still be seen and provides a unique talking point.
The restaurant's main dining room is currently undergoing refurbishment and features stunning oak to dizzying heights.
There is also a separate seating area on the upper floor, accessed by a winding wooden staircase. Like the dining hall, it has lots of old wooden beams and deep windows, probably once providing a window seat overlooking Goodramgate.
At the back of the outside lot is a sunny courtyard, which Decio and Arjan hope to eventually open to customers.
