Top News
Next Story
NewsPoint

Famous corner shop from iconic English sitcom goes up for sale - but can you guess the show?

Send Push

You could buy the iconic corner shop from a classic British sitcom as the property goes up for auction.

With a guide price of £150,000, the property in Doncaster could be yours if you enter the auction on October 15.

Situated on unassuming street Lister Avenue in the auburn of Balby in the South Yorkshire city, it was made iconic as the setting for one of comedy legend Ronnie Barker’s greatest performances.

It was almost demolished in 2008 but campaigners saved it when it went up for auction back then. But now one person will become the proud owner of a piece of British sitcom history.

But can you guess which show?

image

The shop was the setting for the classic 1970s comedy Open All Hours and was used as the exterior of Arkwright's convenience store, owned and run by the main character Albert Arkwright, played by Ronnie Barker.

But you may be disappointed to find the shop has since been transformed into a unisex hair salon.

Open All Hours bagged eighth spot in a 2004 poll of Britain's top sitcoms. It revolved around the shenanigans of Arkwright and his young nephew Granville, portrayed by Sir David Jason.

READ MORE: Mum missing for 117 days with son, 7, in breach of court order may have changed her appearance

image

The series was the brainchild of Roy Clarke, the scribe behind other iconic English comedies like Keeping Up Appearances and Last of the Summer Wine.

It aired for four seasons from 1976 to 1985. In 2013, a follow-up series named Still Open All Hours was greenlit with both Clarke and Jason on board - Barker had passed away in 2005.

image

The rebooted series spanned six seasons and centred on an older Granville who takes over Arkwright after his uncle's demise.

A seventh season was given the go-ahead in 2019 but was subsequently postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The BBC eventually pulled the plug on the series and announced it had no plans for any new episodes.

The fortunate purchaser will not only become the owner of the original Arkwright but will also snag two separate self-contained flats located above the shop.

Explore more on Newspoint
Loving Newspoint? Download the app now