Takeaway tapas takes over former Mansfield sci-fi store

Mansfield District Council has approved a change of use application to transform the former Who's Toys store, at 29 Ratcliffe Gate, from a retail unit to a hot food takeaway.

In his application, Doru Cristinel Ichim, of Wallis Road, Mansfield, said he wanted to “turn an empty shop into a tapas takeaway”.

A design and access statement accompanying Mr Cristinel Ichim’s application says: “It was originally a shop that sold Dr Who and other memorabilia.

“The idea is to turn it into a small, takeaway Spanish tapas.

“There will be a small area for people to sit and wait for their orders, a kitchen in the back where fresh food can be prepared and stored and at the front will be a small counter to display goods for sale.

“There is no other restaurant/café/takeaway in the area providing this style of food and I feel it will add to the diversity of this small market town.”

Granting the application, the council restricted its opening hours to 7am-3.30pm Mondays to Saturdays, and 9am-1pm on Sundays.

Who’s Toys first opened in 2011, selling a range of TV and movie memorabilia.

It hit the headlines in 2016 after supporters launched a Crowdfunding campaign to help replace stock stolen by burglars.

And it was back in the news five months later after owner Jon Pertwee, who changed his name in honour of his favourite Doctor Who actor, said the thieves tried to make him pay a ransom for the return of his goods.