Sshh… there’s a new bar in town!
YorkMix reported earlier this year that a new hidden basement bar was due to open in the city centre. Now The Secret Bar York has opened its doors – but to booked guests only.
Located underneath the York Riverside Apartments on the corner of Clifford Street and Lower Friargate, the bar is exclusively open to either guests staying in the apartments or people who have booked it in advance.
YorkMix chatted with owner Joe Moore to find out more.
“I’ve done it out to a high standard to create a niche market,” explained Joe. “I’m not restricted to age but I’m looking at the market of between 30 and 60 year olds.
“I think that the vibe in here, with the dark and low ceilings is more like a nightclub, it creates that ambience – on a Saturday afternoon!
“I think the exclusiveness of being able to have your party of ten, 20, 30 people in will be the selling point.
“It’s just about getting it out there and getting it known.”
Though there is a sign for the bar outside the external guest entrance, you wouldn’t find it just by wandering past – so if you’re in the know, you know.
There is an intercom system behind the bar, meaning that anyone who hasn’t pre-booked and isn’t on the list won’t be able to come in.
Businessman Joe created York Riverside Apartments and also has run a number of York restaurants, including Lounge 46 on Walmgate.
The Secret Bar started as an addition for the guests staying in the apartments, however because it “can’t survive just on solely the guests here”, Joe made the decision to make it available to external patrons too.
Inside there are six screens, a karaoke machine, darts board, live DJ, and special VIP room that can be booked for a private group.
The bar will be mostly a bottle bar, with cans and spirits on offer too.
Since there’s no kitchen on site, the food offering will be brought in externally. The bar works with mobile catering company Northern Hog and Baker Street Bakers, who are based in Clifton Moor.
Joe is keen to emphasise thought that “if the customer wants it, we’ll find it”. The Secret Bar York also plans to host bottomless brunch on Saturdays.
More future plans include ‘The Secret Red Room’. “More information about that will be announced at a later date,” said Joe. “But it’ll be quite fun and I think it’ll work well – it’ll get a lot of shares on Instagram.”
The secret bar will mainly be promoted through social media, primarily Instagram and TikTok, though word-of-mouth has already proven to be effective for bookings.
It is also available for private bookings for functions, such as weddings, birthday parties, or business meetings.
The Secret Bar York will mainly be open Fridays and Saturdays, and also Sunday daytime if it’s a bank holiday.
External guests will be able to book into The Secret Bar York through their website – the website and contact details are being finalised this week, so watch this space!
More pictures of The Secret Bar York below.
