Project Overview
Location: York
Project Type: Heritage pub restoration and refurbishment
Property: Grade II Listed Victorian public house, originally built to serve railway workers
Challenge/Brief
The client required a comprehensive refurbishment of York’s finest example of a purpose-built Victorian public house whilst navigating the complex requirements of listed building consent. The conservation officer mandated that the internal layout remain unchanged, with rooms positioned either side of the original long central corridor. Additionally, all historic elements demonstrating the pub’s evolution had to be retained, including a 1980s bar servery that, whilst in poor condition, was deemed significant by the conservation officer as evidence of the building’s development over time.
Solution
MGI developed a sensitive approach that respected the building’s heritage whilst delivering modern hospitality standards. Rather than removing the problematic 1980s bar, the team designed an innovative solution featuring new bar cladding positioned in front of the existing structure, complete with small access hatches allowing visitors to view the “original” bar when desired. This approach satisfied conservation requirements whilst achieving the quality standards expected for the venue.
Implementation
The design strategy drew inspiration from both the pub’s name and its railway heritage. Traditional Victorian materials formed the foundation, with authentic tiled and timber parquet flooring installed throughout. Bespoke handmade fox motif stained glass screens were created alongside railway-inspired luggage racks. The existing listed fixed seating was carefully reupholstered in deep buttoned leather, whilst traditional Victorian pub furniture was sourced to complement the authentic atmosphere. Period-appropriate wallpapers, signage and decorative elements completed the historical narrative.
Results
The transformation successfully balanced heritage preservation with commercial viability, creating an authentic Victorian pub experience that satisfies both conservation requirements and modern customer expectations. The innovative bar solution demonstrated how creative problem-solving can overcome heritage constraints whilst maintaining design integrity. The finished venue now showcases a cohesive period aesthetic that honours the building’s railway heritage and ensures long-term commercial success through its timeless appeal.