A restaurant, café and bar is about to open in the old Terry’s Chocolate Factory – and aims to honour the history of the building.
The Old Liquor Store is set to open in mid-July. It will be the final building to open in the former factory site, which had been closed since 2005.
Owner Ben Williams, from York, has owned several hospitality businesses over the years such as the Rose and Crown in Sutton on the Forest as well as several food and wine venues.
The head chef will be Matt Leivers, who has worked for chef Andrew Pern for nine years and has been head chef at The Star Inn The City.
The Old Liquor Store will offer an Italian influenced menu and will eventually offer brunch, lunch and dinner. Dishes will include ricotta pancakes, full cooked breakfasts, deli platters, sourdough pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
“We are aiming for it to be quite casual but also high in quality,” said Ben.
There will also be a deli area to come.
“We are hoping it will be a great neighbourhood place for the local residents to use as well as attracting a wider York crowd who want something less touristy.”
There was initial push-back from nearby residents when the ground floor of the building was granted an alcohol license, due to concerns about noise.
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Ben also wanted to find a way to connect to the history of the former Terry’s Chocolate Factory.
“In many restaurants we visit, we see photographs and quotes from Hollywood movie stars, but we thought it would be great if we could have something a bit more personal to celebrate the history of the location,” said Ben.
“So, we thought, what about some photographs and memories from former Terry’s Chocolate Factory staff?”
The photographs could be from former staff at any age and stage of their life, however “any from their time in the Terry’s Chocolate Factory would be more welcome.”
Quotes would come from a short sentence of a fond or funny memory from their time at work, along with their job role.
“We then intend to have these framed and to use them around the building,” said Ben.
You can send your photos and memories via email at [email protected], or via their Instagram page.
The Old Liquor Store are also looking for staff, with front of house and kitchen positions available – apply by contacting via [email protected].
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