Calling all puzzle and game lovers!
A new shop has opened in York that’s a haven for any puzzle and games enthusiasts.
Piece Of York, in the courtyard off Grape Lane, is a wonderland of jigsaws and old-school games like draughts, chess, backgammon, and pick-up sticks.
It opened earlier this month and is the new venture of Sam and Jan Robinson, who were the owners of the popular bar and restaurant 1331 which closed this year after 20 years.
The ground floor of the former 1331 is now to home to restaurant Fish&Forest, owned by Sam and Jan’s son Stephen Andrews, and the duo are set to transform the first floor into their own restaurant Pig and Potato – which will specialise in sausage and mash.
Pig and Potato is expected to open in the new year.
YorkMix spoke with Sam and Jan to find out more about the new shop and their switch from hospitality to retail.
“We’d been doing 1331 bar and restaurant for 20 years, and we were trying to think of some way of slowing down a bit,” Sam told YorkMix.
“We’ve always liked puzzles and games, so we thought why not do this?”
Piece of York is located just next door to where 1331 used to be, and was formerly Priestley’s Vintage shop.
“When the unit became available, we thought we really wanted to take it on.
“Up to now we’re quite enjoying it!”
The couple already have plans for the shop – including a secret room concealed behind a bookcase that will be transformed into a private puzzling space.
“Behind the secret bookshelf we have quite a good-sized room,” explained Sam. “We’re going to change it into a living room with a lounge style – a bit retro, a bit 70s.”
Visitors will be able to book a table in the secret room and do a jigsaw puzzle while enjoying a glass of wine or beer. Food will also be available.
“We are fully licensed, which is our bit of hospitality coming back again.”
The secret room is expected to open in the new year.
So far, Sam and Jan have received a lot of positive feedback for Piece of York.
“We were quite surprised with how many people are into puzzles and jigsaws – but it’s a good way to escape, and helps you wind down and helps you focus as well.”
With Christmas just around the corner, Piece of York has opened just in time for the influx of festive shoppers in the city.
“We’ve been here for 20 years across the courtyard, and we know how busy it gets,” said Sam. “So it’s the perfect time to be open.”
Piece of York is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 12-5pm, however for the next three weeks they’re also opening on Sundays too for the Christmas period.
To find out more about Piece of York, visit their website and Facebook page.
Take a look inside the puzzle shop in our gallery below.
Gallery
