The Alchemist set to debut in York

Helmsley Group has announced that bar and restaurant group 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 and subject to planning and licensing approvals, it will be group’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, said: “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.