An historic village pub is planning to travel back in time as it prepares to reopen.
The Ebor, on Main Street, Bishopthorpe, has been empty for three years.
It closed in 2021 after the death of its much-loved landlord Gordon Watkins. He fell victim to Covid shortly before he was due to celebrate 40 years in charge of the pub.
Now, however, owner the Sam Smith’s brewery is planning some work to bring the Ebor back.
Plans submitted to City of York Council by Yorkshire building contractor R N Wooler & Co Ltd state: “We have been asked by the brewery to ready the pub for its new managers as it is due to be re-opened in the next few weeks.
“During a visit from the owner, a picture on the wall was noticed showing the building in its original state as per the images below.
“The owner would like us to restore this back to how it was originally built.”
The Ebor is a Grade II listed inn that dates back to the mid 1700s.
According to A Directory of York Pubs: 1455-2004 by historian Hugh Murray, it was originally called the Brown Cow.
It had gained the name Ebor by 1881, and the Tadcaster Tower Brewery Company gained possession of the hotel in 1884, before selling it later that year to John Simpson.
The book says: “The premises then consisted of a club room, a small sitting room, bar, main sitting room, snug, cellar, kitchen, scullery, dairy, brewhouse, stable and hayloft.
“Twenty years later, on 21 April 1904, now in possession of Mrs Simpson, the brewery bought it back again.”
Planning documents submitted by the builder add: “There is sufficient space round the building to erect scaffolding so our works can be completed, the works will include the removal of paint and render to reinstate the building to its original look.”
The plans have already gained two messages of support. One says: “As a resident of Bishopthorpe I would like to submit my support for the proposed works.
“I believe restoring the Ebor to its original brick will completely enhance the look of Main Street.”
You can read and comment on the plans here.
