AN HISTORIC tearoom at York Station is set to be transformed into a “breathtaking” pub through a £200,000 refurbishment.

Elvington-based Pivovar is converting the building, most recently used by York Model Railway, into the York Tap, which will boast 20 cask ales and an extensive selection of bottled beers.

The move is being backed by East Coast and the Railway Heritage Trust, and is now subject only to licensing and listed building approval by City of York Council.

Pivovar has won a raft of awards for its other ventures, which include Pivní in Patrick Pool in York, the Sheffield Tap at Sheffield Station, and the Euston Tap in London.

Jamie Hawksworth, managing director, said the firm now wanted to replicate the Sheffield and London successes in their home city and, subject to council approval, hopes to open in late June.

He said: “This place is going to be breathtaking. When people walk in and look around, they are going to say wow. And it’s been sitting here all this time.

“This feels almost like coming home. I have been out to sea and come back with this idea for what we are going to do. It’s a place where I want to spend a lot of time.”

He said the most pleasing thing about the Sheffield Tap, in the old first-class waiting room, had been seeing the reaction of customers to the conversion and said the York building, constructed in 1906, was even more impressive.

He plans to erect a mahogany bar and stock 20 cask ales from around Britain, including from renowned breweries such as Marble, Thornbridge, Dark Star and Brew Dog.

Mr Hawksworth said there would be room for about 130 people inside and 100 outside in an enclosed area on an adjacent platform.

He said he wanted it to be “Yorkshire’s premier craft ale outlet” and said it would be among the best in Britain, helping draw people to York.

Matt Grant, chairman of the York branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), said it would be a “welcome addition” to York.

He said: “There’s definitely a market for it and I’m sure they’ll do well.”