The only pub on York’s most famous street celebrates its tenth anniversary this week.
Shambles Tavern, found at number 44 on the cobbled street, began as a coffee and gift shop before it developed into the popular pub it is today.
The venue will be celebrating its milestone anniversary tomorrow (Wednesday 13 December), with live music between 5-7pm.
The pub has evolved steadily over the past decade – more recently making a name for itself with its live music nights. On evenings from Wednesday to Sunday, you can enjoy a gig at Shambles Tavern.
“We’re proud that it’s been here for ten years as it is,” said bar manager, Luke Smithson.
“We’ve had some really great gigs, some good names and good local artists.”
A couple of highlights have been Yorkshire singer-songwriter Owen Martin, and Tom Masters from Barnsley, who won Bank’s Got Talent.
“The best thing really is that we’ve kept going,” said Luke. “We’ve also tried to be fairly reasonable, we’ve not tried to out-price ourselves.
“We have a really good regular, local following as well, which is a credit to everyone here.”
The pub also serves entirely Yorkshire craft ale and spirits.
As well as live music in the evening, Shambles Tavern will also be offering a specially brewed beer at a special price on Wednesday for their anniversary.
“Our most popular beer is Shambles Best Bitter,” explained Luke. “So we’ve done something special and aged it in Jim Beam barrels.
“The plan is on the day of the 10th anniversary, we’re going to sell it at the price 10 years ago – which is £3.50 a pint.
“It’s a nice gift back to our regulars.”
The plan for the next 10 years is to “keep going as strong as we currently are.
“The biggest attribute that we’ve got is our music nights, and it’d be interesting to see where that side of things goes in the next few years.”
So far, the pub is having a “really successful Christmas, just very busy. The weekends are incredibly busy.”
There’s also been no further paranormal incidents – and even though the ghostly event happened a few years ago, Luke said he still gets asked about the video “on a weekly basis by a random customer.”
Head on down to Shambles Tavern to celebrate their anniversary on Wednesday 13 December. Here’s to 10 more years!
Keep updated with Shambles Tavern at their website here.
