ONE of the UK’s most well-known fish and chip restaurants is hoping to open next month after being devastated by fire.

The Magpie Café in Whitby was hit by fire twice in 24 hours during the May 1 Bank Holiday Weekend earlier this year. The blaze destroyed the 17th century building’s roof and caused serious damage to the upper floors, forcing the closure of the restaurant.

As well as repairing the damage, contractors were hired to carry out extensive renovation work to the structure of the historic building on Pier Road.

Throughout the work the café’s takeaway has managed to stay open for the busy summer season after temporarily being closed soon after the fire.

Now the popular restaurant has given a provisional reopening time.

On its Facebook page, the Magpie Café stated: “We have had a meeting with our contractors and can now say we hope to be back open by late October at the very latest.

“It is a little later than expected but our grand old building has needed some of its structure bringing into the 21st century so it can stand for another 250 years.

“More updates as and when we have them.

“Thank you all for your continued patience and support.”