A new pub serving British themed cocktails and ‘picky bits’ is set to open on York’s most famous street.
The King’s Inn, located on the Shambles, is getting ready to open in a few weeks time. New owner Steph Blair is hoping to “bring this building back to life” with a quirky vibe and food and drink offering.
YorkMix chatted with Steph to find out more.
Steph is the owner of the popular Luxury Ice Cream Company (LICC) on Back Swinegate. Last year she opened bakehouse and gelato shop Fabulously Rich on the Shambles – that business has now been sold to a new owner.
Along with her partner, Steph used to run what was Thomas’s Bar on Museum Street – and now they’re excited to get back to the pub game.
“We knew we always wanted to get back into it, we just didn’t really know how,” Steph told YorkMix. “So when this came up we thought it would be an amazing opportunity for us and for tourists and Yorkies alike.
“It was a long process in terms of from when we applied to when we got it – but we’re here on York’s most iconic street and we’re really excited for it.”
For more than 40 years, since 1978, 15 Shambles was home to the Italian restaurant Ristorante Bari, which changed its name to Monty’s in 2019. The building went up for sale in 2020 and had remained vacant ever since – until now!
Steph and her team have “completely stripped it back” inside, and have done everything from floors to replastering walls to removing old equipment. They faced a slight challenge with licensing – as the licence they acquired was 40 years old.
“It needed to be changed,” Steph explained. “But we’ve been granted the licence so that will come soon – and we’re ahead of schedule!”
Though a specific opening date is yet to be confirmed, The King’s Inn hopes to open in approximately three weeks time, during October.
The concept for the pub is “very British themed”, and will be serving up ‘British tapas’ aka picky bits. Dishes will include mini fish and chips, mini pies, mini sausage and mash, and Yorkshire puddings.
They’re also aiming to serve breakfasts and Sunday lunch.
There will also be unique British themed cocktails on offer, as well as a selection of spirits, beer and ales.
“Everything’s going to be served quite quirky,” said Steph. “We’re also trying to source everything locally and supporting local independent businesses in terms of where we get products like our meats, pies, breads and spirits from.”
The King’s Inn will have a “dark, cosy and chilled vibe where people can relax but also learn about the Shambles and York’s history.
“We’re excited for tourists to come but we also really want to invite locals in as well.”
Prospective opening times for The King’s Inn are seven days a week from 8am. The business have applied for a 3am license.
In the future, the pub hope to host events like quiz nights, live music and open mic nights.
“We’re just really excited to come in and put our twist on it and also touch on the whole British aspect on York’s most iconic street.”
To keep up to date with The King’s Inn, visit their Instagram page here.