Video: You won’t believe what’s just opened underneath a York bar…

There’s something very unusual opening under a bar in York city centre.

You might go in for a beer or a meal. But dare you go down to… the Wizard’s Emporium?

That is the name of a very atmospheric new experience which has just opened in the basement of Rehab Piccadilly.

It’s a unique escape room, lovingly crafted by puzzle experts and technicians – and filled with spooky clues, strange ephemera and magic.

Vicky Lu Evans and her husband Simon always planned to open the escape rooms.

But they wondered whether to go ahead, after a year which saw the pandemic decimate their takings at both Rehab and their other bar, Habit on Goodramgate.

But now they have, Vicky has just one word for it: “Fantastic.”

Amazing craftsmanship

“I was really amazed at the effort, the thought, the craftsmanship they put into each puzzle,” Vicky told YorkMix.

There are genuinely spellbinding moments – like when you point a magic wand to mix potions in the glass cabinet, which children especially will love.

The escape rooms are expected to keep you guessing for about 45 minutes. But you could combine a trip with something to eat and drink too – players get a discount.

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Vicky hopes it will be popular with residents as well as encouraging more visitors to York.

“People who have been to other escape rooms have told me this is totally different.

“So hopefully, we’ll create some kind of added value to the tourist industry in York. That’s what we’re going to need when the virus lockdowns finish, to bring the tourists back into the city.”

And coming next… a Viking escape room. Watch this space!

Find out more about the Wizard’s Emporium and book on the Rehab Piccadilly website here