WHO remembers this place?

Ellerkers has been a fixture in Walmgate from 1795, with the building dating back to the 17th century. It sold saddles, harnesses and rope. Rather gruesomely, Ellerkers made the hangman's nooses for York Prison, now York Castle Museum, coining the expression: “For me there is no hope – was Ellerkers made this rope”.

Our photo dates from 1989.

The building has been given a new lease of life by top York restaurateurs Michael and Lucy Hjort who have been running the fine dining eaterie Melton's in Scarcroft Road since 1990.

York Press: Walmgate Ale House - formerly Ellekers on WalmgateWalmgate Ale House - formerly Ellekers on Walmgate

In 2001, the couple opened their sister bistro, Melton's Too, in the former Ellerkers shop in Walmgate, renaming it as the Walmgate Ale House in 2014. They run the Chopping Block restaurant from the site too.

York Press: Michael Hjort inside the former Ellerkers building with ropes still on displayMichael Hjort inside the former Ellerkers building with ropes still on display

Several features from the Ellerkers days remain including ropes, saddles and old photographs which are on display inside the building.

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