A FARM near York that breeds Wagyu cattle is opening a new restaurant in the city centre - in a unit that has been empty for a year.

The team at Warrendale Farm, near Pocklington, will open the Wagyu Bar and Grill in the building formerly occupied by Strada in Low Petergate.

The new restaurant is set to open at the end of February and, with the meat bred by the owners of the eatery, the menu will truly be locally sourced.

Adrian Hunter, restaurant project manager, said: “It’s probably one of the finest steaks and it’s unique to have such a specialist animal reared so nearby.

“It’s the old saying, from gate to plate. This is literally the case – we know exactly where the animals and the meat is coming from. Knowing where our food comes from is important to everyone.”

He said now is the right time for the company to open its first restaurant, adding: “The business will be run by a local family, serving local produce to local people.

“There are some terrific restaurants in York and it’s really put the city on the map. People travel from far and wide to eat here.

“But there’s not really a Wagyu restaurant and we thought it was the right time to open one.

“The building has great appeal, it’s a traditional 16th century York building and it’s got a great frontage. There’s an outdoor courtyard we are going to develop and there is also an upstairs area. The location is perfect.”

Refurbishment work has already begun at the site and a licensing application has been submitted to City of York Council to change the layout on the ground floor. Adrian added that there will be vegetarian and vegan options as well as steaks and burgers and the menu is going to be affordable so that everyone can try Wagyu beef. The restaurant will create about 20 jobs.