The iconic corner shop from the beloved British sitcom ‘Open All Hours’ is now up for auction, offering fans the opportunity to step into the shoes of the modern-day Arkwright. The convenience store known as Arkwright’s, featured in the classic 70s show, is available for prospective buyers to transform into their own retail shop reminiscent of the one seen on TV.
The show, which aired from 1976 to 1985, used the exterior of the retail space on Lister Avenue in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, as the setting for the corner shop in the comedy series. The shop featured the late Ronnie Barker as the stuttering shopkeeper Albert Arkwright and Sir David Jason as Granville the delivery boy before his iconic role as Del Boy.
The commercial unit also includes two separate self-contained flats directly above the business space. The property generates just under £17,000 per year when fully let and is situated less than a mile away from Doncaster city centre.
The auction, scheduled for October 15th, sets a guide price of £150,000, with Pugh Auctions highlighting the property’s iconic status in Doncaster. James Vandenbrook, the auctioneer, mentioned that the exterior of the retail unit was prominently used for filming scenes, and the buyer might acquire some ‘mementos’ from the ‘Open All Hours’ era with the sale.
While there is uncertainty regarding the inclusion of any memorabilia, the location’s association with the popular show is expected to attract numerous bidders. Vandenbrook emphasized the property’s appeal as a mixed-use investment, especially for those looking to invest in property.
Despite being a small shop compared to its on-screen portrayal, the location is well-known among locals as the set of ‘Open All Hours’. The auctioneer noted that the unique charm and recognition from the show could potentially boost the property’s profile and desirability among buyers.
The property is recognised for its exterior and the famous cluttered shop front seen on TV. Internal scenes were likely filmed in a studio, preserving the shop’s iconic status as a symbol of British television history. The auction presents a rare opportunity for fans of the show to own a piece of television nostalgia and potentially continue the legacy of Arkwright’s corner shop.