A NEW licensed cafe is opening in Britain's best high street as buyers step forward to take over Bishopthorpe Road's popular Puddin' & Pie.

New operators were sought for Puddin' & Pie cafe in the award-winning "Bishy Road" when the business was put up for sale by its owners who wanted to exit the venture they set up in 2014 to spend more time with family.

After being marketed by York surveyors Barry Crux & Company, with an asking price of offers over £75,000, the business and lease has been purchased by a family partnership and will reopen this month under the name Robinsons.

New owners Will Pearce and Rebecca Toppin say Robinsons will specialise in hot and cold food made from locally-sourced produce.

The couple have a strong background in the catering industry, having worked at top restaurants for renowned chefs, including Raymond Blanc, Shaun Rankin and Kenny Atkinson but stress their food will be about making it accessible, while still good quality.

Ms Toppin said: "Our idea of food heaven isn't fussy gastronomy but simple, tasty food that uses quality local produce.

"One of the most important things we’ve had drilled into us, is the importance of keeping it local and using home-grown ingredients."

The couple met while working alongside double Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson at Rockcliffe Hall in County Durham. Together they moved to Jersey to work with renowned Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin at Ormer restaurant, before working at the luxury boutique hotel Yorebridge House in the North Yorkshire Dales.

Mr Pearce will be in charge of front-of-house, while Ms Topping, who won the national FutureChef competition in 2007, before securing a three-year apprenticeship at Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons in Oxford in 2008, is the chef.

Local suppliers will include Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil, bread from Haxby bakery, butter from Malton and fruit and vegetables from fellow Bishy Road trader and York’s premier greengrocer, Millie’s, with coffee sourced from North East independent rosters at Barnard Castle.

Mr Pearce said: "We can’t wait to be back in the kitchen and serving customers after spending a few months doing all the hard paperwork and licensing side of things.

"We’re also thrilled to be working alongside lots of brilliant, independent traders in York’s Bishy Road."

Robinsons takes its name Mr Pearce's mother's maiden name, as well as his middle name. His mother Cathy is the last in the Robinson family chain and will also be working in the café with the couple several days a week.