As the signs of a historic Yorkshire pub are chipped away from the original windows, a new lease of life is being breathed into the 200-year-old public house which will now become something rather different - a modern Chai restaurant.

Henry Boons, which stands in the shadow of Wakefield Prison and was once a famous spot on the city’s Westgate Run, is set to become a Chai Shai Restaurant.

The public house which is on the corner of Westgate and Parliament Street, still has the brackets which until recently hung one of the old beer barrows which hung proudly over the door.

The interior and exterior of the traditional ale house has stood the test of time from its days as The George and Dragon pub in the 1800s to becoming Henry Boons in 1983, named after Henry Boon Clark, founder of HB Clark brewery, which was situated next to the pub.

Henry Boons to become a modern Chai restaurant

placeholder image — Henry Boons to become a modern Chai restaurant

In an era where large pub chains rule, Clarks Brewery signs had remained on the pub windows with Henry Boons’ iconic sign and portrait hung over the pub.

It had a roaring trade during the 19th century and while that had dwindled since the pandemic, the pub remained open, offering a place of community and heritage with wooden barrels of ale still standing in the back function room where people had their birthdays, weddings and wakes.

There was an outpouring of such memories shared when “Boons,” as it was familiarly known, went up for sale at £300,000 early last year.

Now the signs of the windows have been replaced with Chai Shai restaurant signage.

Henry Boons was named after the founder of Clarks Brewery

Thomas Wales, director of Wakefield BID (Business Improvement District), said: “Breathing new life into the old pub as Chai Shai, a street food and desserts restaurant, keeps its charm but adds something new. “The building has been empty for a while, so it's great to see it being put to good use. This change will bring more visitors to Wakefield, benefiting nearby businesses. This revitalisation project is a win for the entire community, fostering economic growth and creating a vibrant, thriving local area.”

Inside you can also see artificial flower panels decorating the walls and ceiling as well as the bar which many folk will have found themselves propped up on over the years.

Wakefield author and historian Sarah Cobham, said: “The Round Our Way Murder & Mayhem Heritage walk always stops outside Henry Boons to talk about the siege of Quebec Street and the Staynes Sisters whose blue plaque is just across the road.

“Often participants share memories of times in Boons and we've been hoping the building would be taken over soon so that people from Wakefield and beyond can continue to enjoy this historic building in this historic area of our Merrie City.”