A BATTLE royal is raging over the name of one of York’s most famous and popular eateries.

Oscars Wine Bar, in Little Stonegate, is renowned as a favourite destination for peaceful dining, but it is now also the setting for a legal row over who owns the rights to its title.

Andrew Dunn, who has run the business with his wife, Sally, since 1987, is preparing to move to new premises a street away after failing to secure a renewal of the lease on the property – but wants to take the Oscars name and brand with him.

However, Alister Mclean, the landlord of its current Little Stonegate home, maintains that Mr Dunn has no right to do so and has pledged to take the case to the High Court if necessary.

Both parties have now instructed York-based firms of solicitors to act on their behalf.

Mr and Mrs Dunn plan to switch the business to a site next to the Biltmore bar and restaurant in Swinegate next February.

Their solicitor, James Teagle, said: “Rather than consider that the events presented a problem, they have seen recent circumstances as a great opportunity – to move Oscars to bigger premises while retaining the charm and qualities for which it is renowned.

“We have been in correspondence with the landlord’s solicitors for some time, and they have confirmed it is the landlord’s intention to trade under the name Oscars Wine Bar once Andrew and Sally have moved to alternative premises.

“We have invited the landlord to make an application to the court for a declaration on the issue of who should be entitled to the Oscars name.

“Our clients’ concern is simply that they must be allowed to communicate the message that Oscars is relocating, so they may continue to provide the product and service for which they have become renowned.”

However, Mr Mclean’s solicitors, Denison Till, have refuted Mr and Mrs Dunn’s claims to hold the rights to the Oscars name.

“In our view neither Mr Dunn nor his solicitors have provided any legal or other basis to justify his claim to be entitled to trade as Oscars after expiry of the present lease,” said Denison Till partner Johanne Spittle.

“Our client has been advised by counsel and Mr Dunn has been asked to desist, failing which our client will apply to the High Court to restrain him from so doing.”