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We’ve now installed a new search bar feature on the website, so if you’re a little overwhelmed searching alphabetically through our reviewed pubs you can now simply type in what you’re after. Technology eh!

Three new pubs planned for York (From York Press)

ONE of the biggest empty properties in central York could become a new pub, sparking renewed controversy over the nature of the city centre.

Ossett Brewery wants to convert the former Fellini’s restaurant in Fossgate, which was more recently Leila’s tearooms. It is the third new pub plan in quick succession, following proposals by an independent trader to take over the nearby Army & Navy Stores and by Leeds Brewery to open an outlet in King’s Square.

The three plans would create 15 full-time and 24 part-time jobs between them but the moves have reignited the debate over vacant city centre sites being lost as potential shopping space. York Retail Forum’s chairman Frank Wood said it was “vital” for York to retain shop space.

John Howlett Planning, Ossett Taverns’ planning agents, said in a statement: “It would bring a vacant unit back into use, adding to the vitality and viability of the area.”

Leeds Brewery’s proposals would convert the former Your Move estate agency in King’s Square into a family-friendly pub, The Duke of York. Its co-owner Michael Brothwell said such schemes would “increase the chances of York remaining attractive for things other than shops”, and said: “Pubs which offer what we can are great for tourists.”

I guess we just have to roll with it, York is a pub city now, but people complaining that this encourages antisocial behavior must realise that all those Geordies on a Saturday night or screaming Hen parties tend to stay at places like Yates’, Revolution, Society and the suchlike. Pubs proposed by such quality Breweries will not be attracting people like that. And in the end we’ve reviewed enough pubs to know that more competition is good for the City, as a few places could do with a kick to improve. Empty buildings are far worse and very depressing.  Myself I look forward to York hitting the 90+ city centre pubs as long as they’re all good quality ones. Keeps us busy on the reviews anyway!

Renovation for the Nation

York pubs seem to be going refurbishment crazy this year, maybe a sign that recession is behind us now, either that or competition in York is so high there’s really no place for slackers (as our reviews will clearly point out!)

So added to my list for the next review session in May is firstly The Whippet Inn, formally The Yorkshire Hussar, a beautiful pub that suffered greatly from poor location, but has now been refurbished and reopened as a steak and ale house. We’re already hearing good things so can’t wait to visit.

Next up is Brigantes, who not only are they having a refurb but they’re knocking through into the vacant shop nextdoor to expand. Having worked on the exterior signage at my day job I’m looking forward to seeing it all finished and welcome a return there to update our review, it’s been too long.

Looking back at my post archive I notice that Ye Olde Starre Inne have been planning a refurb for a few years now, so happily they’ve announced that a massive £38k will be spent on expanding the pub this month and protecting some of the original features. We already love this pub so any improvements will surly help towards attaining a 5/5 score.

I’ve also just learnt that City Screen are undergoing a big refurbishment too which will include their popular bar area as well as the seating and other bits in the cinema, we’ve not visited yet but now I’ve heard the plans it’ll be another one to add to the list.

Judges Lodgings still has scaffolding all over it, but no word yet when it’ll reopen. Brigantes and Ye Olde Starre Inne will be open by the end of the month I beleive. Also don’t forget that The Blue Boar, formally The Little John has been going strong for a few months now, you can read our full review to be posted on Monday.

Keeping Up to Date

As you all may be aware we like to keep things nice and fresh at Within the Walls, revisiting pubs after refurbishments or management changes and generally working our way round the centre of York in an attempt to keep all our reviews updated. In this vein we’ve now added a review date to all reviews so if we haven’t yet managed to revisit or you think our review is a bit out of touch then we shall endeavour to revisit the venue when we get a chance. 

Some people ask what we will do once all the pubs are reviewed, and of course the simple answer is, they never will… there’ll always be revisits due in the time it takes us to cover all the 80+ pubs and bars. I can think of worse ways to spend our free time, haha.

Yorkshire Hussar pub to be relaunched as steak restaurant called The Whippet Inn (From York Press) A CITY-centre pub in York is being converted into a restaurant, getting a new lease of life and a new name. The Yorkshire Hussar in North Street has been bought by businessmen Martin Bridge and Andrew Whitney. It is being revamped, with plans to reopen it later this month as The Whippet Inn, employing 11 people and serving British produce with a menu predominantly based on steak. Mr Bridge, who opened the nearby Living Room and managed it for three years before going on to look after eight Living Rooms around the country, said his plans for the pub were in two stages, the first being the 50-seater restaurant which he hopes to open in the coming weeks. He said: “The building dates back to 1895 and although a lot of the original interior of the old building has sadly gone over the years, the refurbishment is sympathetic and has a Victorian feel with a modern twist to it. The second phase would be some way off, but there are a lot of outbuildings which one day we’d like to turn into a boutique hotel. “The core element of the menu will be steak from around Yorkshire, and there will be a smaller a la carte menu with daily specials. We will also be looking to serve ales, lagers and champagne from British suppliers.” Well I guess there are enough new pub opening to make up for the loss of one. It is kind of a shame as the Yorkshire Hussar has always been a beautiful example of a Victorian pubs but has also always been plagued by it’s poor location, right in the middle of “the wrong side of the river” and not always with the best selection of beer for the kind of pub they were trying to sell. Hence it’s never done that well all the years I’ve known it. So one to remove from my list. Glad that such a wonderful building will get a second lease of life as a steak restaurant  might do better in that area, so good luck to them.
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Yorkshire Hussar pub to be relaunched as steak restaurant called The Whippet Inn (From York Press)

A CITY-centre pub in York is being converted into a restaurant, getting a new lease of life and a new name.

The Yorkshire Hussar in North Street has been bought by businessmen Martin Bridge and Andrew Whitney.

It is being revamped, with plans to reopen it later this month as The Whippet Inn, employing 11 people and serving British produce with a menu predominantly based on steak.

Mr Bridge, who opened the nearby Living Room and managed it for three years before going on to look after eight Living Rooms around the country, said his plans for the pub were in two stages, the first being the 50-seater restaurant which he hopes to open in the coming weeks.

He said: “The building dates back to 1895 and although a lot of the original interior of the old building has sadly gone over the years, the refurbishment is sympathetic and has a Victorian feel with a modern twist to it. The second phase would be some way off, but there are a lot of outbuildings which one day we’d like to turn into a boutique hotel.

“The core element of the menu will be steak from around Yorkshire, and there will be a smaller a la carte menu with daily specials. We will also be looking to serve ales, lagers and champagne from British suppliers.”

Well I guess there are enough new pub opening to make up for the loss of one. It is kind of a shame as the Yorkshire Hussar has always been a beautiful example of a Victorian pubs but has also always been plagued by it’s poor location, right in the middle of “the wrong side of the river” and not always with the best selection of beer for the kind of pub they were trying to sell. Hence it’s never done that well all the years I’ve known it. So one to remove from my list. Glad that such a wonderful building will get a second lease of life as a steak restaurant  might do better in that area, so good luck to them.