A COUPLE who have run a popular restaurant for more than 25 years have decided to put the business on the market as they look forward to retirement.

The three-storey Jesters restaurant in Church Street, Barnoldswick has been run by Jeffrey and Lesley Taylor since 1990.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The Taylors bought the restaurant after previously running The Dumb Waiter in Todmorden for eight years.

Chef Mr Taylor, 62, runs the kitchen while Mrs Taylor, 57, runs front of house.

Jesters specialises in steaks and French-influenced food, and opens four evenings a week, Thursday through to Sunday.

Mrs Taylor, said: “We’ve been here nearly 26 years after deciding to buy our own business.

“Many of our diners have become firm friends and some of them have eaten here regularly since we took over.

“Our two children, Erin and Daniel, were brought up here and previously helped out at the restaurant.

“Working the vast majority of weekends means you miss out on a lot of celebrations and occasions, and we’re looking forward to more spare time, although I’m not sure we’ll stop working entirely.

“We now feel it’s the right time to retire, so have put the business up for sale.”

Former councillor Jennifer Purcell, now chairman of West Craven Pop-In Centre, said the restaurant has helped Barnoldswick economy for decades.

She said: “Lesley and Jeffrey have done a great job with Jesters.

“They have brought people into the town in the evening and provided consistent good food and service over a very long period.

“They will be missed and I hope the new owners continue in the same way.”

Property adviser Christie and Co is acting as sales agents for the Taylors, who also live on the premises.

They are marketing the restaurant at an asking price of £220,000.

The building has a bar area and restaurant on the ground floor, with an area that can be sectioned off for private functions.

There is family accommodation over the first and second floors, which is accessed independently to the rear of the restaurant.

Ashley Cobban, business agent in the Manchester office who is handling the sale, said: “This is a rare opportunity to purchase a well established operation. “Currently trading only four evenings a week, there is great scope for an experienced individual to increase profits by introducing a lunch menu and developing a website to promote the business.”