SIGNS of change are just around the corner for a York tearoom at the centre of a protracted row.
The Old York Tea Room opened back in February 2023 in one of the oldest buildings in York in Our Lady’s Row in Goodramgate.
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Run by Tony and Thomas Vickers, the pair transformed what was a former candle shop into an inviting tea room with space for 14 customers on the first floor.
A lack of planning permission for the sign painted on the front of the building led to a retrospective application being submitted to and denied by City of York Council.
The Ghost of William Etty (GWE) – a group formed back in the 1990s to help save York stone pavements from being pulled up in city streets – originally objected to the sign saying it was vandalism of a Grade 1 listed building.
The Old York Tea Room forms part of Lady Row, a grade I listed building constructed as early as 1317, according to the Government’s planning inspectorate.
And GWE has said they supported the new application, which has been put through the proper channels, wholeheartedly.
On Facebook the tearoom has now said: “Our sign will be gone by the end of the month. We have had almost three glorious years with its beauty. It has inspired, been talked about and is very much loved. We honestly believe York council got this one wrong.
“That said it’s time to move on… we may be about to get a face lift – that’s the building and not Thomas on this occasion – but what we do on the inside remains the same. Things change but our love for what we do will never.
“Thank you for everyone who has supported the fight to keep our signage. It has been with us for almost three years and that’s because of you.
“If you want a photo take it now because there are only days left at this point.”
