New plans set out for outdoor bar near medieval ruins in York

A full planning application has been lodged to build the free-standing oak bar and convert the rear courtyard of The Little Ale House into a beer garden.

Harrogate Tipple, the Stonegate bar’s operator, stated in their application the development would contribute to the viability of their business and replace an unattractive yard with a landscaped space.

It follows City of York Council’s decision to grant listed building consent to the bar for the works, paving the way for the latest plans lodged in July.

The rear courtyard which would house the beer garden and bar is next to Norman House.

The Grade I-listed ruin, which dates to the 12th Century, is thought to be the oldest surviving domestic building in York.

Harrogate Tipple’s plans would see the existing concrete and asphalt surface of the service yard replaced with new materials such as brick paving or stone flags.

A dead tree is set to be removed and moveable planters and pots would be put into the new beer garden.

A mix of timber benches, picnic tables and stools would provide seating and festoon and wall-mounted lights would also be installed.

The free-standing outdoor bar would be closed by timber cladding beneath a pitched slate roof.

Plans stated the redevelopment would allow views of Norman House and York Minster from the current courtyard to be opened up for patrons to enjoy.

The application stated: “The existing courtyard is visually unattractive and inaccessible to patrons.

“Creating a small beer garden would support the viability of the new business, provide an outdoor meeting space in keeping with York’s tradition of courtyard inns, and give the public the opportunity to appreciate the Norman remains from within a managed environment.”

The plans follow the opening of The Little Ale House in the Grade II*-listed 46-50 Stonegate in December.

It was previously home to Little Betty’s Café which closed in 2021.