Public’s chance to buy into bit of rock folklore

Back in 1968, the band dropped into 9 High Petergate, and signed the wall of the building’s upstairs cocktail bar using lipstick.

At the time, the building was being used as a student cafe bar.

The wall is protected in the building’s lease, and the band’s lipstick signatures can still be seen, which means the restaurant’s place in rock history is secure.

The building is about to enter a new era, with help from local investors.

It has become the Helmsley Group’s latest commercial property acquisition.

The York-based property investment company has bought the Grade II listed property, which has been the home of Plunkets restaurant since 1977.

Helmsley, which acquires properties throughout the UK, is offering the £1m investment opportunity to York people first, at a reduced individual investment level of £10,000, instead of the usual £25,000.

The medieval timber-framed building dates back to 1640, and has been commercial premises for at least 100 years.

Ian McAndrew, the director of The Helmsley Group, said: “It is rare for such an historic building with a well-established tenant to come onto the market.

“Plunkets is located close to York Minster and has a strong local and tourist clientele and has committed to a 15-year lease, so presents a great investment opportunity.

“We’d love to give local people the chance to own a piece of their high street, so would urge them to come forward if they are interested in getting involved and take advantage of the low entry of £10,000.”

The Helmsley Group buys properties on behalf of syndicates of investors, who receive a proportionate share of the rental income and any long-term capital grow- th.

The group’s properties are bought with cash, so there is no reliance on borrowing.

The Helmsley Group has a syndicated portfolio of 39 properties with a total value of £73.4m.

For more information about the chance to become part of the Plunkets syndicate, visit www.helmsley.co.uk