The Museum Street Tavern opens on the site of the former Thomas’s of York

In recent years, this historic York inn has been alternately a Mexican restaurant, a cocktail bar that never really existed, and a sadly disused wasteland of a prime location just a stone’s throw from the Minster.

Now it promises to be a great, welcoming city center pub again – with a brand new launch as the Museum Street Tavern when it reopens this week.

Richard Martin, the independent operator who took over the lease from the owners of Stonegate Pubs, said: “The plan for Museum Street Tavern is simple. It’s good old-fashioned hospitality. Take care of everyone and serve them great food and drink in a beautiful historic building.”

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“York is full of great pubs that rightfully have a loyal following. If we do everything right, we will carve out a small niche of our own.”

Richard, 43, has worked in hospitality all his life and in his early 20s became general manager of his first pub in north London.

During his career he has run many pubs and restaurants across London, Dublin and Bristol but chose York for his first solo venture. Richard has a long association with the city – he has been visiting family here for many years.

The Museum Street Tavern is slated to open this week (Image: Dylan Connell)

He moved to York permanently 18 months ago and has since worked at several venues around the city whilst looking for the right opportunity.

Richard said: “We want to open as soon as possible. It’s going to be a little gentle, gentle at first. Mainly just drinks and snacks. We will continue to add something each week and aim to serve a full menu in early September.

“The food will be fresh and seasonal and the dishes will change from day to day. We will use local products and suppliers whenever possible. Not fine dining, just rustic dishes with big flavors prepared with care and attention.”

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“First and foremost, we love pubs. They are timeless, timeless and democratic. They are for everyone, spaces where all parts of the community are welcome and live together.”

Passers-by will have noticed that a lot of work has been done to freshen up the exterior and interior in the run-up to the opening. However, since the 18th-century building is a listed building, it retains all of its historic charm.

Follow the Museum Street Tavern for up-to-date information on opening hours, food and beverages Instagram at the museum_street_tavern_york

The Museum Street Tavern is located at 3 Museum Street, York, YO1 7DT.