Plans have been revealed for a £1 million transformation of a York city centre venue after the well-known bar there closed.
The Biltmore Bar & Grill on Swinegate closed permanently after finishing trading on Saturday, say the team behind a new venture planned for the site.
Soon it will be reborn as The Escapologist, a bar, escape room and games centre all wrapped up in one.
The Escapologist is a Goole-based group, with its two directors based in Thorpe Willoughby, near Selby.
It runs three venues, at the White Rose Centre, Leeds, at Xscape, Castleford and the Metrocentre, Gateshead.
The Escapologist in York is due to open in November.
It will come complete with a “cosy steampunk bar” and its “three ever-evolving escape room themes range from Harry Potter inspired potions class, to landing on another planet”, the website says.
Space enthusiasts can take on Mission to Mars, adventure lovers can journey through Hadrig’s Forgotten Forest, while mystery fans can climb aboard The Grand Continental Express.
Each experience will be designed and built in-house and accommodates groups of up to six players. It’s aimed at families, friends, celebrations and team outings.
The venue will also introduce ‘EscaPool’ to York – an original game that combines crazy golf with pool, alongside interactive darts lanes.
A company spokesperson said: “The Escapologist York is more than just an escape room venue – guests will be able to solve immersive adventures, enjoy food and drinks and compete in interactive games, all under one roof.”
Originally built around 1910, 29 Swinegate has previously served as a First World War military hospital and a 500-seat church before it became a bar.
The Escapologist team say they will retain the character of the building during the renovations.
The new venue represents an investment of around £1m in York’s leisure and hospitality sector and will create between 25 and 30 new jobs, the company says.
Its café, restaurant and bar will serve “signature smoking cocktails”, as well as “indulgent milkshakes and magical potion-inspired drinks for younger visitors”.
Ellie McClaren, CEO of The Escapologist, said: “We are thrilled to bring The Escapologist to York, a city renowned for its heritage, culture, and vibrant social scene.
“29 Swinegate is a building with remarkable history and soul and we take our responsibility as its new custodian very seriously.
“Whether you are solving mysteries in Hadrig’s Forgotten Forest or trying your hand at EscaPool, we can’t wait to open the doors and welcome locals and visitors alike this November.”
She said the company would be teaming up with local suppliers, including York Coffee Emporium.
Bookings are expected to open soon ahead of the November launch, so people can book a spot in time for the festive season.
You can find out more on the website.