A planned new look for the exterior of a popular York pub has been revealed ahead of its controversial makeover.
As YorkMix revealed in October, big changes are proposed for the Roman Bath on St Sampson’s Square.
But the plans have dismayed many pub-goers – and a petition to keep the pub as it is has now gained more than 8,000 signatures.
Owners the Stonegate Group want to turn it into a Craft Union pub, their sports bar brand, with large screen televisions installed.
As part of the changes, they are not renewing the lease with Liam Fagan when it is up in March – Liam has been licensee at the Roman Bath for nearly 40 years.
There’s also row over the pub’s popular live music programme. Manager Sharon Stinson fears this will be cut back, but Stonegate say they are still committed to gigs after the makeover.
Changes to the exterior of the pub, revealed in planning documents, show new lettering for the Roman Bath name, as well as a modern pub sign.
Three TVs are set to be mounted in the bar area with one also planned for the pub’s outside courtyard.
The bar is set to be rotated and will run parallel with the wall of the pub that faces out onto its courtyard.
Plans stated the changes would make better use of the inside area which would protect the pub’s future use.
No date has been set for the makeover, although it may close in January.
Very much a traditional British pub, its name and theme comes from the Roman bath house discovered when the present pub was being constructed in 1929. That has now been turned into a museum, run separately from the pub, although they work closely together.
The Roman Bath is Grade II* listed because it incorporates the 4th century bath house.
Roman style frescos have long been part of the interior decor.
The Stonegate Group told us they were investing six figures into the Roman Bath “ensuring the pub can continue to thrive in the centre of the York community for many years to come.
“The transition to Craft Union, a community-focused pub company, marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the historical pub.
“We understand the importance of paying homage to the pub’s incredible roman history that will continue to be available for all to see.”
But people signing the petition are unconvinced. Here’s some of the comments:
- This is of great historical importance to York. We don’t need another sports bar, we need somewhere where we can be entertained with good music, hospitality and food. We shouldn’t lose the well and all the history that goes with this building
- York is an historic city so everything historic is important and needs to be kept for current & future generations to enjoy. This pub has something that others don’t
- We have enough sports bars in York, the roman bath isn’t big enough to be a sports bar plus it is steeped in history, the pub needs to stay as it is
- We do not need another soulless sports bar. This place is an important part of York and should be preserved as is. A great music venue (one of very few remaining in York) and bar
You can read and comment on the planning application here.