THE public could soon be able to enjoy coffee on the roof of York’s Walmgate Bar, as its massive restoration project nears completion.

Experts from City of York Council’s archaeology team have been working at the medieval gateway since January, and say work is progressing well.

The work is strengthening the Bar to prevent its potential collapse if it is hit by a vehicle, as has occurred many times over the years.

The work will also improve the insulation of the Bar itself, which is home to the Gatehouse Coffee café, and will improve public access.

For the first time, there will be regular access for the public to the barbican facing Lawrence Street, and also in due course to the roof.

 

 

John Oxley, city archaeologist, said: “We are going to put a platform on the roof.
“That will protect the lead roof and it will also mean that people will be able to access the roof, perhaps have a cup of coffee up there, and look out across the city.”

A handrail has been added to the barbican walls, so it can be accessed safely, and the team have also restored the coat of arms and a plaque marking previous restoration work in 1840.

Mr Oxley said the rendering had recently been removed from the Bar. He said: “There is a lot more decay in the timber frame than we expected.”

Restoration was carried out in 1990, when there was severe damage by deathwatch beetle, but Mr Oxley said some parts of the timber frame had continued to deteriorate since then.

York Archaeological Trust will visit the site shortly to assess whether the ancient doors can be restored. Mr Oxley said he hoped they could be repaired enough to allow them to be opened and closed for special ceremonial occasions, because an alternative idea of repairing the portcullis at Monk Bar is deemed too expensive.