Even though it closed more than two years ago, the Willow is still hugely missed.
The Chinese restaurant and disco on Coney Street was one of York’s most legendary nightspots, beloved by students and night owls of all ages.
And many of the revellers who danced the night away on its sticky floors wished they could have a keepsake from those special nights.
Well… now you can.
Mementoes galore
Although Willow main man Tommy Fong announced his retirement after its closure in July 2015, he has now opened an antiques shop on Walmgate with wife Soo.
And among the items for sale are some prize items from the glory days of the Willow.
These include framed Chinese tapestries that once graced the walls of the restaurant, one of which is up for grabs for £175.
There is also Willow Café silverware, including teapots, milk jugs and mustard pots.
These have quite a history. The original café opened in the 1930s and according to a sign in the shop, “we estimate this is the age of the Willow Café silverware”
It adds, in brackets, “Willow closed in 2015 as the landlord Aviva would not renew the lease after 80 years”.
Elsewhere there are a set of Chinese willow pattern plates. These were bought but never used in the restaurant.
And there are plenty of interesting items that bear no relation to the Willow too.
If you fancy a browse, the shop – next door to the Student Castle – is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-5pm.