IT looks like a worthy stage for a Shakespearian drama. But for most people, it has been hidden from view for the best part of a century.

Now this stunning late 16th century medieval building will receive a fresh lease of life - as the viewing centrepiece of a new city restaurant.

The beams form the main part of the Old Talbot Inn, which stands on High Petergate, close to the Holy Trinity Church.

The classic house has remained a mystery because its traditional Elizabethan front was replaced by more modern brick in the early 17th and then the 18th century.

And, as York College for Girls, took over the classic Grade-II listed building next door, it has been a sight witnessed only largely by staff and students at the academic institution for the last hundred years.

Now, the former college, from 1908 to 1997, is to be turned into a trendy Italian restaurant - and a new conservatory at the back will guarantee a stunning view for diners.

With the Old Talbot Inn to the right, and the spires of York Minster to the left, La Vecchia Scuola - translated as the old school - will bring the former college back to life.

Owner Abdu Naeb, 40, says the restaurant and caf, which will be open by October, will retain many of the features of the girls' school and will house many trinkets and memories of those who spent their formative years there.

"We will have space for up to 100 covers and I am really looking forward to its opening," said Abdu, who also owns city eatery One 19 The Mount.

"It will be a classic Italian restaurant. We will make some pizzas, but it will more geared towards fresh pastas, fish and using local produce.

"We want to bring the old college back to life with old photos and pictures of the girls and their uniforms. It's a ten-week programme and I think it will contribute something new to the area."

Designers Hans and Werner Linder said they hoped to display artefacts from the college along the walls and in display cases throughout the restaurant.

Hans said: "It will be almost like a museum. The response from the school has been fantastic and we have been greatly helped by the former headmistress Erica Taylor and the Old Girls' Association."

Peter Brown, of York Civic Trust, said he was pleased The Old Talbot Inn would soon be visible once more. "It is a very handsome building," he said.

Updated: 10:02 Friday, July 15, 2005