AN UPMARKET burger chain which counts George Osborne among its fans will find out this week whether it can move into the centre of York.

Byron Hamburgers Limited is looking to open a burger bar in the High Ousegate building currently occupied by the Danish Kitchen, which is planning to sell its lease with the loss of 17 jobs and bring an end to its 35-year stay in the city.

A City of York Council hearing will tomorrow decide whether to grant Byron a licence to operate from 11am to 1.30am between Monday and Saturday, and from 11am to 11pm on Sundays.

The licence would include alcohol sales and music. North Yorkshire Police have agreed to the licence as long as certain conditions are attached, with one objection being raised.

Byron found itself in the headlines this summer when the Chancellor of the Exchequer tweeted a picture of himself working at his desk while eating one of the brand’s burgers.

Its gourmet reputation led to claims he was “out of touch”, although Mr Osborne said he chose the chain – which has 34 sites, all but five in London – because they delivered to his office.

The Danish Kitchen originally opened in 1977 in High Ousegate, with its first premises now occupied by Nandos.

It moved to its current site in 1991, but owner Anthony Gibbons – whose parents Colin and Audrey had opened the café – said competition from high-street coffee shops had forced it to close, possibly by January.

The objection lodged by a resident of nearby Kings Staith said the opening hours Byron were looking for would “encourage revellers to remain in our area rather than dispersing elsewhere” and allowing alcohol to be sold did not tie in with the burger restaurant being “family-oriented”.

However, York Police licensing officer PC Mick Wilkinson said he was satisfied with the licence being granted if 18 conditions, including CCTV coverage, were met. Byron has already secured planning permission for some internal changes to the building, which is listed.