The former corner shop famously used as the exterior of Arkwright’s store in the BBC’s beloved sitcom Open All Hours is set to be auctioned later this month. The iconic property, located on Lister Avenue just south of Doncaster city centre, will go up for sale with a guide price of £150,000 or more.
The end-terrace building became a familiar sight for TV audiences, as it provided the backdrop to Ronnie Barker’s portrayal of Arkwright, the miserly grocer, and David Jason’s character, the long-suffering Granville, during the original run of Open All Hours from 1973 to 1985. The show became a classic of British television, delighting viewers with its blend of humour and heart.
After Ronnie Barker’s passing in 2005, the series was revived in 2013 as Still Open All Hours, with David Jason reprising his role as Granville, now running the shop himself. The Lister Avenue property was once again used for exterior shots in the revival, which aired until 2019.
The shop, which has remained a symbol of nostalgic British TV history, is currently a vacant hairdressing salon on the ground floor. Above it, two self-contained apartments are tenanted. Despite its current use, the building’s history and significance in British popular culture have attracted substantial interest ahead of its sale.
The property, once in danger of demolition in 2008, was saved by local campaigners who recognised its cultural importance. Now, 15 years later, it is being sold by auction house Mark Jenkinson, part of the Eddisons property group, in conjunction with joint agent Kembles Estates.
James Vandenbrook, associate director of Mark Jenkinson, expressed excitement about the sale, noting the high level of interest from potential buyers. “The shop is instantly recognisable from the outside as the backdrop to the drama that played out between Ronnie Barker’s spendthrift grocer Arkwright and his long-suffering errand boy Granville,” he said.
Vandenbrook added, “It really is part of television history, and of course, that has created lots of interest in the sale from potential bidders. It will be interesting to see what happens when the auction closes – and what the next episode will hold for this totally unique end-of-terrace Doncaster property.”
The auction, set for 16 October, has already generated considerable attention from nostalgic TV fans and property investors alike, eager to own a piece of British television heritage. In addition to the Open All Hours property, several other lots will be available in the auction, with new properties being added daily.
The property’s unique charm lies not only in its history but also in its potential for future use. While it remains a recognisable symbol of British comedy, bidders are keen to see what new life this iconic building might take on in the hands of its next owner.
The auction will be held by Mark Jenkinson and Co. and is expected to attract both local and national interest, with the property’s guide price starting at £150,000. As the sale date approaches, many are eager to see how much the building will fetch and what the future holds for this piece of TV history.
