Here’s the latest news from York’s ever changing high street.
First the goodbye. Olivia’s Artisan Bakery & Café on Goodramgate has announced it is closing. But it will reopen as a cafe with new owners.
A note on the door states:
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Dear Customers / Friends,
Olivia’s will be closing on Thursday 23rd August for approximately two weeks.
My team and I would like to thank you all for your company and custom over the last two and a half years, but I have now decided to hang up my apron and venture on to pastures new.
The café will be reopening with new owners very soon and you will probably recognise some of the old team!
Thank you all again, we will miss you!
Keep supporting your local independents.
Debbie xxx
Company changes
But that company has been going through changes. The website British Baker reported last year how a group of investors stepped in to buy the assets of Olivia’s and re-employed all staff, creating new business the Great Northern Bakehouse.
The article said: “While Olivia’s had a combination of retail outlets and wholesale bakery, [Great Northern Bakehouse boss] Ian Cross said the new company planned to focus on wholesale”.
Other branches, including ones in Northallerton and Stokesley, have already closed.
Say cheese
A business on Grape Lane is now being transformed into The Cheese Trader – “purveyor of Great British and Irish cheese”.
It is taking over the premises which used to house the Vertigo Restaurant.
Next door is El Piano – which is also about to make its own transformation. As we reported earlier this summer, the vegan restaurant is to close after 21 years.
It will be replaced by Los Moros – the restaurant run by Tarik Abdeladim, whose street food kiosk with the same name in Shambles Market has been such a hit.