Housed in a Grade II listed building next to York’s royal gateway, Gibsons bar occupies a prestigious location.
But it has been closed and empty for more than two years.
Now, though, a new chapter is planned for Gibsons, the venue next to Micklegate Bar.
New owners Star Pubs and Bars have applied for planning permission to give the Victorian building a renovation, inside and out.
Built in 1861 as a town house, the three-storey building was converted into a licensed premises four years later.
“Gibsons is a well-established public house located on Micklegate and is part of one of the most famous streets in York,” planning documents state.
They say the bar “is key to the local area when trading and plays a part in the daily lives of locals and tourists to the city.
“The opportunities for our client are that they wish to provide an experience to all visitors and provide improved facilities for all.”
They want to give the exterior of the bar a fresh paint job with new signs and lanterns fitted.
Changes inside include “the introduction of fixed seating bays to give more defined seating areas to allow groups of customers to sit together to enjoy a meal and /or drink and a fixed table.”
The owners go on: “All of the building’s remaining original features are to remain untouched.
“The areas for intended development will not affect any of the listed features and in addition, all the works will be finished to a high standard of quality and workmanship and will be in keeping with the current style of the public house and will blend in sympathetically to its surroundings.”
Previous owners Jon Bon Gibson and Lee Wilkinson revealed it was going to close in December 2019, saying they were ready to move on, after enjoying “amazing times” at the pub.
Known for its huge range of drinks, including beer, wine, cocktails and whiskies, and its smokehouse menu, Gibson’s had become a much-loved part of York’s food and drink scene.
You can read more about the planning application here.
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