One of the city’s best-loved cafés has had a makeover.
The Old York Tea Room, on Goodramgate, has shared pictures of their progress with YorkMix ahead of reopening on 1 February.
The cafe’s interior has been transformed with an elegant red and gold colour scheme, with clocks and framed artwork lining the beamed walls.
The café temporarily closed at the start of January for the works to be complete, but owners Tony and Thomas Vickers have been posting regular updates on the changes.
The inspiration behind the makeover was, ‘Cosy, Warm, Gothic, Rose'”‘, and we think they’ve nailed it!
They have also created a set of rules for customers which they will introduce when the tea room reopens.
They said on Facebook: “We had no rules in place and we accepted everyone and anyone. We hated it. People can be not pleasant sometimes.
“We turned away regulars and tourists who wanted the experience to accommodate people with one cup of tea and a laptop.
“We now have rules. For our benefit and for your benefit, and for the respect of the house.”
Here are the rules:
- We do not do gluten free. Our kitchen is a very small and to prepare such food is not safe.
- Unfortunately we do not have access for wheelchair. The house was built in 1316 and cannot be altered, if you fancy sweet treats just park outside, wave and we will come to you take your takeaway order, or help you get upstairs.
- We no longer accept tables for just drinks. Specially over the lunch period. It’s expensive to keep a period house open like this and we want to remain open.
- We now operate one queue for take away and sit in and you must be patient otherwise we are not for you, do not push past others! Again the house is what it is and demands respect.
- We are a laptop free zone. There is a very good library for that.
- You may ask for tap water but not as your only drink. There is no legal requirement for us to do so. And we need to fund the operations of this beautiful building. We do understand some just like water. We do sell bottled water and if you purchase this you are contributing to keeping the house funded. Exceptions can be made if necessary.
New menu
The tea room opened in 2023 and has since had a big positive reaction from locals and visitors to the city, all whilst gaining a widespread social media following.
The city centre site dates back to 1361, and was previously home to candle shop ‘Born of Botanics’ before Tony and Thomas took over.
The grade I listed building is part of Lady Row, and one of the earliest row of houses surviving in York.
Tony and Thomas already offer an impressive range of tasty treats, and the list is only getting longer.
There’s an abundance of freshly baked cakes, scones, and brownies to pair with their specially selected loose teas and coffees.
A savoury menu is also on offer, including sandwiches, jacket potatoes, and light bites.
Whilst refurbishments are underway, the pair have been working on an updated menu that will include “introduced “two types of hot pancakes that will be permanently additions”.
They are also bringing in The Afternoon Experience for two. “This will feature a selection of delicious finger sandwiches, homemade scones with jam and the best clotted cream.
“And to finish you will have a selection of our finest cakes of your choice. Of course you will also receive any tea of your choice served in the best china.”
It will cost £43.99.