A new coffee shop is set to return to perhaps the most appropriately-named places in York.
Barley Hall Coffee Shop opens in Coffee Yard tomorrow (Saturday, 23 July).
The new café, which will serve drinks and light snacks, replaces The Printer’s Apprentice, which did not reopen following lockdown.
During the opening weekend coffee lovers will be entertained with historical music and performances from musicians, Caliban’s Dream and re-enactment troop Ting Tang.
As well as the ground floor, customers will be able to enjoy their cappuccino al fresco, with the courtyard in front of Barley Hall becoming a pavement extension of the ground floor coffee shop.
The café will be run by The Jorvik Group, and promises a ‘quirky twist to a traditional coffee shop experience’.
“York was one of the first places outside of London where coffee shops emerged in Georgian England, so some of this history is reflected in our displays within the coffee shop itself,” comments director of attractions, Sarah Maltby.
“Each of the tables inside the coffee shop will feature artefacts from our collection relating to historic coffee culture, and anyone wanting to find out more can access fun videos via their mobile phone to delve deeper into this fascinating part of York’s Georgian coffee house scene.”
More events
The team are now working with York Emporium on a special coffee blend to suit the theme and surroundings, and bread and cakes coming from York-based suppliers.
Regular visitors will be able to take advantage of the coffee shop’s loyalty card, as well as enjoying events in the outside courtyard throughout the year.
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Initially, only the ground floor of the coffee shop will be open to customers, but with a full kitchen on the first floor and a basement, more developments will follow.
“Barley Hall is a fantastic venue for events and dining, but we have always had to bring in catering equipment. Having these facilities in the adjoining building will make hosting events at Barley Hall significantly easier and more cost-effective,” adds Sarah.
“We are also looking at using different parts of the combined buildings to host regular community events in the heart of the city, as well as providing additional space for education groups visiting Barley Hall. We’ve got some other brilliant ideas in the pipeline, too – watch this space!”
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