News and entertainment worth sharing – York and North Yorkshire

Acclaimed York restaurant team to open a new wine bar in the city

by | Food & drink

Judging by this spread pictured on their Facebook page, patrons at the new bar are in for a treat

Here’s some excellent news for food and drink fans – the team behind acclaimed York restaurant Le Cochon Aveugle are to open a wine bar.

Run by Josh Overington and his partner Victoria Roberts, Le Cochon Aveugle has become a favourite of critics and foodies alike.

The bistro, at 37 Walmgate, has been described as “small but perfectly formed” by the AA food guide and “a triumph” by the Yorkshire Post.

Now they are to open wine bar called Cave du Cochon just down the road at number 19 Walmgate. “Very close to us, but a few doors closer to town!” Victoria said.

Looks like there's been some serious testing of the wine list… Photograph: Cave du Cochon on Twitter
Looks like there’s been some serious testing of the wine list… Photograph: Cave du Cochon on Twitter

“The wine bar has been on the agenda for the last six months or so, but has always been an ambition of ours – and now we have the opportunity to realise it,” said Victoria.

Although a lot of work is going into creating a great food and drink offering, the ambience will be relaxed.

“The bar will have a very laid back approach. We want to dispel all the snobbery and pretentiousness that comes along with wine, whilst still offering quality and value for money.”

Victoria said:

We will be working very hard to find wines from all over the world to showcase what can be achieved from the humble grape!

Above all, though, we want it to be a fun, relaxed and enjoyable place to spend time with friends over a good glass of wine, some great cheeses and hams – what more could you want in life?

Good news for the street

What was Imagine Moore letting agents is being turned into the wine bar. Photograph: YorkMix
What was Imagine Moore letting agents is being turned into the wine bar. Photograph: YorkMix

Work has already begun on transforming the former Imagine Moore estate agency into the new bar.

It is some welcome positive news for Walmgate after the street was hit so badly in the Christmas floods.

Victoria said:

As with Le Cochon Aveugle, we are opening this not just for our own personal goals, but to improve York’s hospitality sector and increase York’s reputation for its bars and restaurants.

After the devastation of the floods on Walmgate, we now have the opportunity to help bring more people to a part of York that has seen real difficulties since Christmas last year.

The refit is well underway. They hope to be open in May – specific dates will be announced nearer the time.

Plans show a ground floor wine bar with 20 seats.

Restaurant success

Le Cochon Aveugle on Walmgate. Photograph: Richard McDougall
Le Cochon Aveugle on Walmgate. Photograph: Richard McDougall

Chef Michael O’Hare opened Le Cochon Aveugle as a sister venue to his Blind Swine restaurant on Swinegate – it means “blinded swine” in French.

Josh, who is from York and had previously worked at the acclaimed Pipe And Glass in East Yorkshire, was the chef. And when the Blind Swine closed abruptly in 2014, Josh negotiated to take over the lease of Le Cochon Aveugle from Michael, and updated the decor.

His fixed price menu offers six courses for £40. The menu changes regularly, with dishes based on French bistro classics, but prepared using modern or forgotten techniques.

With only 24 covers it is a uniquely intimate York dining experience “that focuses on trying new things, sharing and above all, enjoyment”.

Now Josh and Victoria are planning to bring that same creativity and impeccable attention to detail to Cave du Cochon.