The Ilkley restaurant has announced it can keep its popular atrium seating area after a huge show of support from customers and the local community.
The business had previously announced plans to give up the seating area after saying it had exhausted its options for resolving the situation.
Owners said they expected customers to be “angry and disappointed” when they announced the decision, but were instead overwhelmed by the response.
Thousands of people rallied behind the restaurant, offering messages of encouragement and support.
Customers also provided technical and legal advice, visited the restaurant in person to show their support, contacted MPs, raised the issue with local media and started hashtags on social media.
Now, the campaign appears to have paid off.
In an update to customers, the restaurant said:
“You shouted so loud for us that the Council heard us!!!”
"We have to pay some more money to be allowed to keep it there, but providing it’s affordable, we have permission to keep it just as it is!
"No words will ever be big enough.
"No thanks can ever reach far enough.
"So instead we’re going to do what we do best and get you tipsy"
Throughout September, customers will be able to visit the atrium seating area and claim a complimentary drink, which the team has dubbed a “thanks-ini”.
The owners said the gesture is their way of showing their appreciation for the support they received during the campaign.
They added that they expect it will take years to repay everyone who got behind them, but said the business will now be “staying put” and will continue trying to make things work.
The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty over the future of the atrium seating, with the business previously warning customers that it may have to make changes.
The owners finished their message by thanking customers “from the bottom of our hearts” and saying: “We love you all.”
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