A BAR and restaurant company has confirmed it is to open a new branch in Malton’s former town hall.

Stew & Oyster Ltd has signed a lease for the Grade II-listed building with owners, the Fitzwilliam (Malton) Estate.

The company Stew & Oyster Ltd, which operates five bars in the Leeds area, applied for a licence for the building in the centre of Market Place in February 2017 and has since been in negotiations with the owners, Fitzwilliam Malton Estate.

Previously occupied by Malton Museum, the building underwent a £380,000 restoration by the estate, but has remained empty since.

Helen Barry, estate manager for the Fitzwilliam Estate, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to attract Stew & Oyster to come to Malton and we’re very impressed with their approach to jointly undertaking this significant renovation of our flagship building in the Market Place.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing this lovely building come alive, for residents and visitors during the day and into the evening, and welcoming Stew & Oyster to the town.”

Malton is the sixth and latest site for the Stew & Oyster team, who plan to open in April.

The bar and restaurant serves regional craft beers and ales, alongside a casual dining-menu.

Tom Mountain, Stew & Oyster operations manager, said: “There has been a lot of time and energy spent ensuring that the building is treated sympathetically.

“Now that this has happened we’re excited to start work and we’re looking forwarded to opening in the spring.

“It’s an incredibly important venue for and we can’t wait to welcome the community of Malton back into the old town hall.”