WORK is almost complete on the latest addition to Fossgate's booming restaurant trade - and the new owners want readers' help to discover their new home's past.

The Loch Fyne Restaurant will open its doors at the former FR Stubbs ironmonger's building on November 20.

Manager Chris Jones is launching an appeal for information about the building.

"We want people to bring us stories, pictures, information on different uses the building has been put to over the years, and any interesting tales about it," he said.

"They are all wanted so that we can produce a time-line of the building for our guests."

He said Loch Fyne was offering two prizes for the best respondents, one for the best photo supplied, and another for the best information regarding the building's history.

Both winners will receive invitations to an exclusive preview event at the restaurant, including a tour of the building and a complimentary three-course meal for four people.

We have been rooting through the archives of The Press, and have found an image of building taken in the 1970s, to compare with today.

While developing the building, the new owners have retained the distinctive counters and other interior fixtures dating from the late-19th century, including a grand double staircase.

The shop fittings are part of the Grade II* listing for Foss Bridge House, built on the corner of Fossgate and Merchantgate in 1878 for linen drapers W W J Whitehead.

In 1915, the building passed into the hands of the Stubbs family and became FR Stubbs ironmongers' store.

In 2004, City of York Council gave developers permission to convert the store into a restaurant.

Mr Jones said: "Having lived and worked in and around York for many years, I feel extremely proud to be bringing Loch Fyne to the city.

"Not only will we be offering the finest quality in seafood, there will also be a selection of dishes for meat lovers to enjoy, such as our award winning Glen Fyne prime Highland steak."

"The opening of the restaurant will also bring exciting new employment opportunities to the city.

"I am delighted to say that many of the original features of the building have been fully restored to their former glory. However, I am keen to know more about the building's history."

Anyone with information should phone Chris Jones on 01904 647721 or email him on yorklfr@freeuk.com.