Japanese cuisine coming to city centre following sale

Wilde’s Wine Bar & Bistro in York has been sold and is set to become IZAKAYA, a contemporary Japanese restaurant serving a menu of small plates and desserts.

The restaurant site is on Grape Lane in the centre of York. Customers will be able to enjoy their food and drinks in the main dining area which seats 50 or in the outdoor “hidden” courtyard which seats up to 20.

Specialist business property advisor, Christie & Co, arranged the sale. The new owners behind IZAKAYA are Adam Johnson and Daniel Victory.

They commented: “We are very excited to launch our new restaurant concept in York and we’re thrilled to have secured a spot amongst some of the city’s best-rated restaurants, at 21 Grape Lane.

“Our aim is to expand the city centre’s high-end offerings with something fresh, unique, and distinctly charming so we’ve designed a restaurant experience and menu for sharing meals and moments with loved ones.”

Previous owners, Hayley and Mo Abdelsattar, made the decision to sell to pursue other interests and spend more time with family.

They said: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Sam at Christie & Co on this sale. Through industry relationships, he introduced us to Adam and Daniel after a few weeks of instructing him to sell the business, and we agreed terms immediately. We wish the new operators all the best on their venture and new concept.”

Sam Ashton, business agent who handled the sale, added: “Wildes Wine Bar was set in an attractive, quirky premises in York centre so I was confident interest would be high and it wouldn’t take long to find a quality buyer to take over the lease.

“In this unpredictable market and on the approach to Christmas, I am thrilled to have achieved the asking price for Hayley & Mo.”