PLANS to restore one of York’s historic bars have come a step closer to becoming a reality.

A major £120,000 restoration of Walmgate Bar is being planned to repair the Elizabethan half-timbered extension to the bar, which dates back to 1580.

Although no start date has yet been set, City of York Council has put aside the money for the work to be carried out.

The bar, the only one in York still with its barbican, portcullis and wooden inner doors, dates back in places to the 12th century and currently houses a café.

David Warburton, head of design conservation and sustainable development at City of York Council, said: “The works will be paid for through the council’s rolling capital programme of funding for repairs and upgrades for the Bar Walls, and up to £120,000 has been set aside from the fund for these works.

“There is no detailed programme for the works at this stage, but once it has been set, the council will of course liaise with its tenants to minimise any disruption.”

In history, the bar came under fierce attack during the Civil War siege of York in 1644,.

But the most recent damage was caused about four years ago, when a car hit one of the stone columns supporting the half-timbered extension.

The last major work to the bar took place after the collision in 2010, when John Oxley, City of York Council’s archaeologist, said the crash had contributed to some cracks in the extension wall which gave cause for concern and the council secured any loose material to make it safe.