Award-winning bar and restaurant to open first York venue in “thriving" location
Helmsley Group has announced that bar and restaurant The Alchemist is set to open at its The Coach House building in York.
The property investment and development specialist has agreed a letting to The Alchemist. Subject to planning and licensing approvals, it will be The Alchemist’s first venue in the city.
Helmsley has also revealed that it is accelerating plans to redevelop the upper floors of the three-storey building, located on the corner of Nessgate and Ousegate, for residential use following planning approval.
The move comes as Helmsley finalises its vision for the regeneration of neighbouring Coney Street through its Coney Street Riverside masterplan and follows it securing other prominent leisure operators in the area, including Rosa’s Thai Café.
The Alchemist, which has more than 20 bar and restaurant venues in “prime” city centre locations across the UK, is set to take the ground and basement levels of The Coach House which offer almost 5,000 sq ft of open-plan floor space.

Tom Riddolls, development surveyor at The Helmsley Group, commented: “The Alchemist is a fantastic brand to welcome to York and it is testament to the strength of The Coach House’s offer that it has chosen the location ahead of other venues in the city.
“When we acquired The Coach House, we said it offered a rare and exceptional leisure opportunity for a forward thinking and prominent leisure operator to open a significant bar and / or restaurant in the heart of York’s thriving retail core. The Alchemist fits both these criteria entirely and we are delighted to have them on board.
“This is another positive addition to Coney Street and neighbouring areas and complements our exciting vision to revitalise this part of the city centre, including opening up the riverfront for the enjoyment of all.”
Pudney Shuttleworth and Reesdenton are joint agents at The Coach House. Harlow Property Consultants and Westmark Estates acted on behalf of The Alchemist.
By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily
- Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
- And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
- Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.
Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →
Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.
Enjoy the read? Get Bdaily delivered.
Sign up to receive our popular Yorkshire & The Humber morning email for free.
Why the bots will never beat personal business coaching
From COVID-19 to the Middle East crisis
How to build credibility in B2B marketing
Is your business ready for the trade union change?
Government 'must take its foot off businesses' throats'
Upskilling key to civil engineering's future
Why apprenticeships are becoming a strategic asset
Business growth requires the right environment
OpenAI decision a wake-up call for our tech plans
Understanding the new Employment Rights Act
Why global conflict is a cyber risk for UK SMEs
Improving safety and standards in construction