York pub earmarked for demolition could be set for an unlikely revival

A roadside pub on the outskirts of York that had been under threat of demolition could soon be serving alcohol again.

Punch Partnerships Ltd, which owns the Four Alls Inn on the A64, sought permission to tear it down and replace it with houses two years ago.

But the plan was widely criticised, with both York Campaign for Real Ale from York Civic Trust saying it should be saved.

Then, in April last year, a different planning application was submitted. This sought permission to turn the building into a shop and coffee shop, plus offices on the first floor.

Submitted by Dennis Harley Developments, this application has yet to be decided, with new documentation submitted to the council right through to this month. Building work has begun at the property however.

And now Dennis Harley Developments are seeking a premises licence for the Four Alls.

This would enable the venue to serve alcohol from 10am to midnight, seven days a week.

They are also seeking permission to stage live music inside the Four Alls every day.

If it is to reopen as a bar, it will be an unlikely revival.

Although the pub had in place since the 1870s, the owners Punch said was unviable, and the company’s agents say it would cost £460,000 to make it viable as a destination pub, which they say would be a high-risk investment.

And between 2016 and 2018, the owners said their alcohol sales through the pub fell by 24%.