The family behind a hugely popular York bar, loved for its warm atmosphere and riverside setting, are moving on.
Dyls, the independent café bar housed in an historic building under Skeldergate Bridge, has been sold.
It means that the Dyl family who have run it since 2012 will have their last day in charge on Sunday, 21 April.
The announcement was made by Jan Dyl on Facebook this evening (Wednesday).
He said: “After 12 of the best years here at Dyls, the time has come for us to move on and embark on a new and exciting venture!
“Making the decision to sell Dyls has been one of the toughest we’ve made.
“Years of dedication, hard work, and striving to be the best we possibly can has taken its toll, and we feel it’s time to let someone with new ideas and inspiration continue its legacy, which we know many of you have grown to love.”
He said more news will be coming soon on “the lovely family who’ll be moving in”.
Dyls, run by the Dyl family, including Malcolm, Annette and Jan, has become an iconic part of York’s eating and drinking scene. Housed in the Grade II listed Motor House on the bridge, it has had to shut several times in those first years due to the floods.
The family then flood-proofed the inside and created an outside bar and seating area, always packed on sunny days.
It also became a focal point during the Covid lockdowns, serving people socially distanced drinks in the fresh air.
The bar was put up for sale for £250K in January 2023.
Jan said they were looking forward to seeing as many people as possible in the next 11 days. They plan to go out with a bang, opening from 4pm till late on the last night.
“We will be hosting a final party in the park, with an extended terrace, free food, live music and performances, and a few extra surprises!” he said.
People reacted to the news with a flood of tributes. “You will be greatly missed. You have done a fantastic job of making Dyls what it is today, well done guys,” wrote one.
Another said: “Such a shame, loved it here. Good luck with your future plans.”