YORK'S famous Bettys Tea Rooms are to close for almost three weeks in January for a major refurbishment - although customers will still be able to use the Oak Room downstairs.

Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate has applied to City of York Council for listed building consent to carry out the revamp, which includes improvements to the heating and cooling system, new seating, tables and carpets.

A spokeswoman said the Tea Rooms on the ground floor of the Grade 11 listed building were to be closed from January 4 with a planned reopening on January 23.

"The first floor Belmont Room, where we hold our Lady Betty Afternoon Tea and private events, also closes also on the 4th but is planned to reopen on January 19," she said.

"Customers will still be able to enjoy a visit to Bettys and to our shop. We are not closing! The downstairs Oak Room will be open Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 7pm; 9am to 9pm Friday and Saturday."

However, customers might also wish during this time to take the opportunity to visit Bettys Stonegate, just around the corner.

She said planned improvements to the heating and cooling system would mean new ceilings for the Tea Rooms and Belmont Room. "There will also be some new lighting, banquette seating, chairs, tables and carpets on the ground floor of the cafe."

Branch manager Carol Hanson said: “This historic building has housed our Café Tea Rooms since 1937. We are entering into our fifth year of investment in the upkeep of this beautiful building and are planning to update the heating and cooling system in January.

"We are still in the planning stage of work and hope also at this time to improve the Bettys experience even further for our customers with new seating, lighting and carpeting.

"We will look forward to still welcoming customers in our downstairs Oak Room and in our shop and apologise in advance for any inconvenience these works may cause.”

Documents submitted to the council say the Tea Room café has not had any refurbishment since the 1980s and the planned revamp also includes a new piano.