AN antiques business with a touch of ooh la la is celebrating 25 years of trading in York - and you can join staff for a glass of Sancerre and an attractive discount.

The French House, which specialises in French furniture, first opened in a warehouse north of the city in 1994, opening its first shop on Micklegate in 1997.

The family business, run by father and son Stephen and Marcus Hazell, relocated to its current home on North Lane, Huntington, seven years ago.

The French House also has showrooms in London, near Parsons Green, and boasts one of the largest ranges of French antiques in the UK, including a large selection of beds, mirrors, lights and tables ranging from 17th to 20th century.

The business began when property developer Stephen bought a holiday home in the Pyrenees, which had a surplus of furniture.

Entrepreneurial son Marcus spied a business opportunity: "I bought an ex-Post Office van and set off, eyes alert for 'brocante' [flea market] signs and iron baths - it was common for stately, 19th-century tubs to finish up as cattle water troughs - heading home when the little red shuttle was completely full.

"The French House was established and we were hooked. There would be no going back."

The team, which also includes Stephen's wife Kathryn and daughter Caitlin, offers a bespoke service, with skilled craftsmen available to adapt and restore pieces to fit customers' needs and fit into the modern home.

Kathryn said: "That's a service we offer that others don't.

"If a table is too long, we can cut it down, we French polish, upholster, deliver and install, which people appreciate - especially if it's a huge mirror."

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, The French House is inviting customers to visit the North Lane showroom on Saturday, May 25, when prices will be discounted to match those of 25 years ago, when the business first opened.

For more information visit york.thefrenchhouse.co.uk

Items are available to view in the warehouse by appointment.