A new restaurant set in a former shoe factory has opened in Skipton.

The Cordwainers – which takes its name from a type of fine shoemaker – is located just off Swadford Street in Skipton in the old Co-op/Beales loading bay opposite Coach Street.

During the day, it can also be accessed through Handpicked Hall.

It was set up by husband and wife team Robert and Samantha Mullins, with Robert also the head chef.

And the venture is a real family affair as Robert’s brother Samuel runs the front of house.

Samantha said: “We felt Skipton was lacking a really good British restaurant. There are some good French based ones, but we want to really focus on modern English dishes, using local ingredients as far as possible.

“We were very conscious of prices – we want to offer a fine dining experience but at Skipton prices. For example our hot smoked duck breast is a great dish but affordable at £14.95.”

The restaurant was set up a few weeks ago, and Samantha says business is starting to pick up as more people become aware.

She said: “It was a small start, but we’re getting some good reviews on places like TripAdvisor now and we’re starting to see more customers. We’ve taken things slowly, but we’re really starting to make people aware that we’re here.

“After Christmas we’re looking at improving the [Swadford Street] entrance, with some steps up the back to our big double doors, and splitting the road with a pedestrian area to open it up and attract more people in.”

The Cordwainers is the family’s first restaurant, but they have experience of working in other restaurants in the area including the Red Lion at Burnsall and the Craven Arms in Appletreewick.

For more details on the restaurant, go to www.thecordwainers restaurant.co.uk.