Acomb is set to get a new restaurant and wine bar, filling an empty building in the middle of Front Street.
Ashley and Matthew Hyde and their business partner Greg Harper Watson plan to open a bar and bistro called the Ham & Firkin, reviving the name of a York pub that closed 99 years ago.
If the plans are approved, it will open in the former Lloyd’s Bank next to the greengrocer shop in Front Street.
Ashley and Matthew run local business Baba Ganoush Catering and have more than 20 years’ experience in hospitality, and live in Acomb.
Ashley told YorkMix: “We have been looking for a site in Acomb for ages. Acomb is a fantastic place, it’s great for kids and there are a lot of families in the area.
“New businesses like the Bluebird Bakery and Laughing Llama are brilliant, but it would be nice to have somewhere to go for a drink and a substantial meal as well.
“We will do Sunday lunches and will be child-friendly during the day, then more sophisticated in the evening.
“My husband is a chef and we’ll do a selection of small plate dishes and also substantial gourmet dishes, and always four puddings at a time. We run an outside catering business, so this is a return to fine dining for my husband.”
A good fit
If the planning and licensing applications are approved, the Ham & Firkin should open this summer. It will have space for about 40 to 50 people inside, with a further 12 to 16 on outside tables.
The Ham & Firkin is named after a pub that was in Walmgate from 1761 until 1923. Ashley said she, Greg and Matthew liked the idea of bringing old pub names back to life, and creating places where people could gather to enjoy good food and drink.
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“There are so many old pubs that have gone, and this name is about food and drink, so was a good fit.”
A planning application has been submitted to City of York Council.
Ashley, Matthew and Greg’s planning agent, John Howlett, said the business would bring something new to the centre of Acomb.
He said: “There are cafés and takeaways in the centre, but nowhere to sit and eat a meal. Equally, options for an afternoon/evening meal are limited.”