Wakefield chippie serves up Meatloaf (and Bowie) with chips

Think fish and chips aren't glamorous? There's a chippie in West Yorkshire that will change your mind...
Ad Feature by Ernest Wilson
Published 3rd Jan 2018, 09:27 BST
Updated 3rd Jan 2018, 09:30 BST
A multi-level restaurant complete with bar, The Empire is a night out rather than an easy, no-cook option.A multi-level restaurant complete with bar, The Empire is a night out rather than an easy, no-cook option.
A multi-level restaurant complete with bar, The Empire is a night out rather than an easy, no-cook option.

Imagine going out for fish and chips and finding yourself in the company of David Bowie, Cliff Richard and Tina Turner.

That might sound like a dream that results from going to bed on a full stomach, but it’s a perfectly normal situation at The Empire, a Wakefield fish and chip restaurant that is far removed from your traditional chippie.

"Its so much more than just a fish and chip restaurant. Everyone loves going out for fish and chips and if you can combine that with a great place to eat with plenty going on, then all the better.""Its so much more than just a fish and chip restaurant. Everyone loves going out for fish and chips and if you can combine that with a great place to eat with plenty going on, then all the better."
"Its so much more than just a fish and chip restaurant. Everyone loves going out for fish and chips and if you can combine that with a great place to eat with plenty going on, then all the better."

A multi-level restaurant complete with bar, The Empire is a night out rather than an easy, no-cook option. Established in 1956, the busy restaurant, take-away and drive-through has built a reputation for excellent food and an experience to remember, because The Empire is as well known for its musical tribute nights as it is for its food.

Regular tribute nights sell out fast and the restaurant’s stage has been graced by fabulous entertainers in the guise of Cliff, Meat Loaf, David Bowie, Neil Diamond and Tina Turner, to name but a few.

Now, The Empire is up for sale, offering new owners the chance to build on the considerable success of the Leeds Road business.

Owner Steve Paley, who is selling the restaurant through agents Ernest Wilson in order to concentrate on another business, said: “It’s a thriving restaurant that really is something special. The entertainment draws in the crowds – we regularly reach the maximum of 115 bookings for the tribute nights, which are held around 16 times a year. Customers range from those enjoying live music to families looking for a weekend treat, or bringing the children to our Halloween and Christmas special events, and older customers enjoy the quieter periods during the week.

Regular tribute nights sell out fast and the restaurants stage has been graced by fabulous entertainers in the guise of Cliff, Meat Loaf, David Bowie, Neil Diamond and Tina Turner, to name but a few.Regular tribute nights sell out fast and the restaurants stage has been graced by fabulous entertainers in the guise of Cliff, Meat Loaf, David Bowie, Neil Diamond and Tina Turner, to name but a few.
Regular tribute nights sell out fast and the restaurants stage has been graced by fabulous entertainers in the guise of Cliff, Meat Loaf, David Bowie, Neil Diamond and Tina Turner, to name but a few.

“It’s so much more than just a fish and chip restaurant. Everyone loves going out for fish and chips and if you can combine that with a great place to eat with plenty going on, then all the better.

“It also has what I believe was the first drive-through fish and chip restaurant in the country, so it has something for everyone.”

The Empire is on the market through Ernest Wilson, the leading business sales agent. Established since 1956, Ernest Wilson assists clients with the purchase and sale of businesses, offering agency services, finance options and support throughout the sale process.

Find out more by calling 0113 238 2900 or visit the fish and chips section of the Ernest Wilson website www.ernest-wilson.co.uk/fish-chips

Related topics:WakefieldDavid BowieWest YorkshireCliff RichardTina Turner