Video and 21 pix: First look inside York’s new Wonderbar – They’ve achieved the Impossible!
Welcome to the Impossible world of York’s new wonderbar!
Combining a ground floor tea room and brasserie with an opulent first floor cocktail bar, Impossible York opens to the public on Saturday (12 December).
YorkMix has had a sneak peek at the new venue, on St Helen’s Square, and can vouch that it is a must-visit.
In the old Terry’s café building, and transformed from its most recent incarnation as Carluccio’s Italian restaurant, Impossible York is phase one of a £3 million investment project by Aaron Mellor’s Tokyo Industries.
The company, former owner of Fibbers, says there is a “hotel, multiple roof terraces and speakeasy” in the pipeline for 2021.
Which is a great vote of confidence in York as it emerges from the shadow of the pandemic.
Sweet delights
The tearoom will serve indulgent afternoon teas and sweet delights, championing local suppliers, alongside show-stopping specially imported coloured coffees, with chocolates and coffee also available to purchase for takeaway.
Afternoon tea, with sandwiches, pastries and scones, is £19.95 – or £24.95 with a glass of Prosecco.
The brasserie comes complete with an open kitchen, and will serve British-Bavarian dishes using local produce.
Menu highlights include Yorkshire Venison Burger (£15.95), pretzel bun, smoked cheddar, treacle bacon, celeriac slaw; and The Wurst (£14.45), Frankfurter, Jagermeister pulled pork, gherkins, sauerkraut, mustard cheese, currywurst sauce.
They also do a Sunday roast for £14.95.
Cocktails all round
Head up the stairs to the cocktail bar and it’s a different experience again.
There’s a disco, area for live music, light show and horseshoe shaped booths. The interior includes wooden panelling, made in the same wood that created the stunning interiors of the RMS Titanic, a striking glass domed ceiling, antique gold details and luxurious fabrics.
Cocktails include the Mad Quacker (£9), Terry’s Orange Martini (£9.95) and Shambles Mule (£9).
Stephanie Powell, General Manager at Impossible York added: “It’s been a real labour of love to restore this beautiful building and also pay homage to its incredible past.
“We hope once more it can become a well-loved establishment within the York community offering a place to drink and dine all year round.”
