19-02-2025
York in the 1980s: long-lost pub inside iconic York building - do you miss it?
TODAY'S archive photo takes us back more than 40 years to a long-lost bar in an iconic York building.
The photo dates from 1981 and shows a couple relaxing in style inside the bar at The Bonding Warehouse, on the York riverside by Skeldergate Bridge.
In the 1980s, the venue was a bar and restaurant - a totally different purpose from when it was first built in the 1800s to hold goods that were being traded through the bustling port of York.
Fast forward 100 years and by the 1980s, The Bonding Warehouse was a popular watering hole and decent steak restaurant, winning praise from residents and tourists alike for its 'middle-of-the-road' meals at reasonable prices.
In May 1985, Evening Press writer John Potts popped along to the old, restored warehouse to find the rather bleak-looking old building now a lively and welcoming eating place.
By the 1990s it was a comedy venue; some of the biggest stars of today gigged there.
The idea of a bonding warehouse for York had been discussed since 1833 when merchant traders held a meeting in Merchants Hall, York.
Read more:
Memories of York's Bonding Warehouse: from pub and steak house and comedy club to luxury living and offices - 150 years of change
By August 1873, the warehouse was so 'busy' and 'packed full of goods' that by June 1874, plans had been drawn up to build an adjoining block of three storeys.
After its reincarnations as a pub, restaurant and entertainment venue through the 1980s and 1990s by 2000 it closed, following the devastating floods of November that year.
It is now an upmarket apartment block with office space.
Share your photos and memories of York on our Facebook page Why We Love York - Memories. Find us at:
