A LICENSING hearing over a major new York restaurant has been cancelled just days before opening.

Michelin Starred chef Tommy Banks, who runs The Black Swan at Oldstead - the world’s best restaurant, according to TripAdvisor - is due to open Roots York at the former Bay Horse in Marygate on Saturday. The new venue is fully booked throughout the weekend.

Representatives from the restaurant had been due to appear before City of York Council’s licensing sub-committee on Monday, following an objection over plans to extend opening hours until 11.30pm Monday to Saturday, and midnight on Sundays.

The complaint by a member of the public said the extra 30 to 60 minutes opening time “would unduly affect the rights of the residents in the immediate surrounding area”, and questioned how the restaurant would ensure disruption to residents would be kept to a minimum.

However, the meeting was cancelled on Tuesday afternoon, after the objection - the sole complaint about the proposed changes - was withdrawn by the resident, meaning the slight extension to the opening hours can go ahead.

The former Bay Horse had undergone a transformation inside, and workers have been seen on site improving the exterior of the historic building.

Specially-commissioned tables and internal fixtures have also been installed in the Marygate restaurant, and a spokeswoman said the restaurant was “in its last stages of getting ready” for Saturday’s opening.

All tables for Saturday and Sunday are fully booked, while very few remain for Monday and Tuesday, although waiting lists are available.

Anyone interested in booking a table is advised to go online at rootsyork.com to check

availability.