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‘Gutted!’ Popular York bar to close after nearly 10 years

Gibson's sold a huge range of drinks. Photograph: Gibson's website

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Business

Drinkers in York have reacted with dismay to the news that a popular indie bar is to close.

Gibson’s bar and grill on Micklegate has announced it will shut for good at the end of the year.

Jon Bon Gibson and Lee Wilkinson of Gibson’s posted a message on Facebook saying:

  • It is with a heavy heart but happy soul that we can announce that we will be closing the doors for good at the end of the year.

    We have dedicated our lives to this wonderful little creation, have had the most amazing times, made the best friends and while we wouldn’t change a thing, we are moving on and as we all know, all good things come to an end.

Amazing journey

Gibson’s bar on Micklegate. Photograph: YorkMix
Known for its huge range of drinks, including beer, wine, cocktails and whiskies, and its smokehouse menu, Gibson’s has long been a much-loved part of York’s food and drink scene.

Jon and Lee said they have enjoyed an “amazing journey” but took the decision earlier this year to “hang up the bar blade and boston tin… and hand the reins over to someone else”. They said:

  • We have had the most amazing journey to this point, enough memories for a lifetime of fond reminiscing, but we took the decision early this year to hang up the bar blade & boston tin, hang up the chef whites & knives, and hand the reigns over to someone else.

    As a proud independent business for nearly a decade, we have stuck it to the big boys, the chains and their 6 figure makeovers and are fiercely proud of being part of York’s nightlife and amazing food scene.

There are hopes that it will stay as a bar. “We have been in talks with Heineken for most of this year, who are committed to investing in the building and keeping the place going, though in what guise we do not know.”

Big final bash

The bar plans to go out in a blaze of glory with a big New Year’s Eve bash, details to be confirmed later.

The decision caused surprise and dismay among residents, as they lined up to pay tribute to what Gibson’s had achieved.

Here’s a few of the comments:

Matt Smithy Smith
Utmost respect to Jon & Lee for what was done there. It was great to be a part of it.


Phil Martindale
Gutted, so many epic nights there, lifelong friends made, and industrial amounts of fireball consumed! Will miss the place, best of luck to all


Daniel Lucas
Big love, gratitude, and respect for all you have done in your time there. One of very few bars in York that always felt like home.


Rox Blackburn
Oh my. So many fantastic nights and wonderful memories. If those walls could talk. Thanks for always being so welcoming, every time we come we’re greeted like long lost family.