A POPULAR fish and chip restaurant, which comes complete with its own ghost, is all set to have an extensive refurbishment prior to re-opening in May.

Drake’s in Low Petergate, in the heart of York city centre is all set to get a new look and even the ghost rumoured to haunt the third floor approves!

Plans for the building include a facelift for the servery and takeaway area which face out on to the street downstairs, a complete overhaul of the restaurant on both the ground and first floor, and a lantern-roofed conservatory area at the back.

Sara Drake, whose family owns the shop and took over as general manager in January last year, said: “It will be fresh, modern and sleek but also in keeping with the feel and spirit of the building - quite literally - one of our team has discussed the changes with the ghost of the lady who lives on the third floor and she seems to approve.

“It is such a privilege to have the care of one of York’s historic buildings.”

Drake's rose from the ashes of Petergate Fisheries after a fire gutted the building in 2009.

Sara went on to say: “After the fire in 2009 the shop was built and designed to the same detail as it had been before and though it is much-loved by the local community and visitors, it was starting to feel rather dated. We wanted something which would really reflect what York and Drake’s is all about – that tradition and heritage which links us to the past, but also the cool, vibrant and enterprising spirit which the city represents.”

Sara said that, like a lot of city-centre businesses, it has been a difficult year for Drake’s, with tourism on hold and the restaurant forced to close for most of the year, Drake’s has relied on the takeaway and delivery side of the business to make it through.

She said: “The support from the local community has been incredible. We have a fantastic little team and they have worked so hard to continue to operate safely and serve the people of York throughout the pandemic. Everyone enjoys fish and chips as a treat and it’s been lovely to be able to provide that throughout these uncertain times. Even when visitors return to the city we want to continue to thank our loyal and local customer base so we will be having special offers for York residents in the restaurant.’’

Drake’s will close tomorrow (April 6) and will reopen on May 10.

The team is growing and any experienced fryers are invited to get in touch with Sara through the Drake’s York Facebook page.