Landmark York pub Gibsons has officially reopened today (Thursday) after being closed for five years.
The £550,000 refurbishment by Heineken owned Star Pubs has finished at the venue on Micklegate, and the pub has finally once again opened its doors to the city of York.
Previous owners Jon Bon Gibson and Lee Wilkinson revealed it was going to close in December 2019, saying they were ready to move on, after enjoying “amazing times” at the pub.
Built in 1861 as a town house, the three-storey building was converted into a licensed premises four years later.
The renovation, which began in September, has completely transformed the inside and out – with a new back bar, renovated bar counter, exposed brickwork, new seating, new artwork and improved lighting.
The courtyard garden – which is visible from the city walls – has had a mural added, new barrel tables and stools, wooden benches and seating with parasols.
Star Pubs and Bars won planning permission to refurbish the venue back in September 2023, so the reopening of the pub has been greatly anticipated. “It’s been a long time coming,” said manager Robin Atkinson, who is running Gibsons on behalf of Star Pubs, told YorkMix.
“It looks absolutely fantastic inside and out. We’ve put a great team together and everyone’s done a great job getting it to where it is now. We’re raring to go.”
And it’s not just the team who are ready for the venue to reopen. “There’s been a lot of traction on the socials and a lot of word of mouth. I can’t count the amount of people that have been knocking on the window, asking questions and wanting a nosy. There seems to be a buzz about the place and I can’t blame it.
“It’s going to be quite a transient audience, especially as we’re right next to the York walls which leads to a lot of tourists. There’s going to be a lot of professionals and students too, and it’s going to be a lovely venue for anyone that’s come to have some good quality food and drinks – alcoholic or not.”
The large beer garden is “definitely a string to our bow.”
“Even at this time of year there’ll be people out here, but come next summer and race days I think this is going to be hotbed of activity and the place to be.”
Gibsons will be hosting regular live music nights with acoustic acts, and have plans for comedy and quiz nights in the near future. The pub has a private function room with 16 covers that can be booked out occasions such as meetings and private dining.
The venue has 80 covers inside and 126 covers outside, and has – so far – created 10 jobs “with more to come as the place and team builds.” Robin encourages anyone interested to drop a CV in.
The bar at Gibsons has a “wide spectrum of everything” from wine, to homemade cocktails, to beer, to gins, spirits, ciders, and a lot of no and low-alcohol options including Heineken Zero on draught.
The selection of cocktails (all at £7.50) include favourites like a Negroni and Passion Fruit Martini and twists on classics such as the Marmalade Spritz and Gin-berry Fizz.
The food menu offers a selection of small and big plates with tasty options like Beef Barbacoa Tacos (£8.20), Salt and Pepper Squid (£8.60), Steak Frites (£18.35), Pizza (from £13.80), and a Billionaire Choux ‘Burger’ dessert (£8.90).
“Over half a million pounds” has been invested into the reopening of Gibsons. “It’s a great investment – not just at the pub, but into the city as well,” said Robin. “It shows real faith in the pub industry at a time where people do have some negatives to say about it. It’s a great show of positivity that it is a booming industry.
“If you work hard enough, and you have the right people behind you, you can make it work and make something as beautiful as this.”
Find out more about Gibsons at their website, and stay up to date by following their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Gibsons is open every day, from 11am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, and 11am to midnight Friday to Sunday. Food is served daily from 11am to 8pm.
Take a look inside in our gallery below!
Gallery
