Anger over plans to turn York 'gem' on ancient Roman ruins into 'soulless sports bar'

-Credit:Stonegate/York Council\'s planning portal
-Credit:Stonegate/York Council\'s planning portal


More than 8,000 people have signed a petition against plans to transform a York 'gem' into a 'soulless sports bar'.

Plans have been submitted for a major refurbishment of The Roman Bath, a historic pub in York that sits atop ancient Roman ruins. Stonegate, the owner, has proposed moving the bar, installing new televisions and replacing the signage.

A spokesperson for the pub's owners stated that the six-figure revamp would honour its Roman history and ensure its longevity. However, the plans have met with resistance, with a petition launched by current licensee Sharon Stinson, claiming the pub will be transformed into a sports bar.

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The proposals are part of the pub's takeover by the Stonegate-owned Craft Union chain. The pub is renowned for the ruins of an ancient Roman bath beneath it, which are open to the public.

The new signage proposed as part of the refurbishment of the Roman Bath pub, in St Sampson\'s Square, York -Credit:Stonegate/York Council
The new signage proposed as part of the refurbishment of the Roman Bath pub, in St Sampson\'s Square, York -Credit:Stonegate/York Council

If approved, the existing John Smiths branding on the exterior of the pub would be replaced with new Roman Bath signage. A redesigned hanging sign is also planned.

Three TVs are set to be installed in the bar area, with one also planned for the pub's outdoor courtyard. The bar is expected to be rotated and will run parallel with the wall of the pub that faces out onto its courtyard.

The plans suggest that the changes would optimise the use of the interior space, thereby securing the pub's future. However, Ms Stinson's petition argues that the alterations would transform a vibrant community hub into a sports bar.

The new hanging sign proposed as part of the refurbishment of the Roman Bath pub, in St Sampson's Square, York -Credit:Stonegate/York Council
The new hanging sign proposed as part of the refurbishment of the Roman Bath pub, in St Sampson's Square, York -Credit:Stonegate/York Council

The petition states: "The Roman Bath House in the heart of York has been open to its patrons for over 30 years.

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"The establishment has served as a hub for the night life scene and a social centre for many locals and a venue for live music.

"Do you want another soulless sports bar at the cost of losing a gem of local, national and even international value? "

A spokesperson for the pub's owners said their plans would see it remain as a community-focused venue while also marking an exciting new chapter in its history. The spokesperson said: "We understand the importance of paying homage to the pub's incredible roman history that will continue to be available for all to see.

"Rest assured, the goal of the investment is to enhance the overall offer, while keeping the historical roman features intact that makes this pub so special.

"The transition to Craft Union in 2025 will also mean the pub's famous local live music scene will be continuing to thrive with a brand-new state-of-the-art audio-visual system set to be installed."

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