Former derelict hotel turned smokehouse creates 25 jobs in York

A DERELICT hotel has been transformed into a smokehouse restaurant in York, creating 25 jobs.

Barbecue smokehouse Pavement Vaults, which takes its name from the pub previously open across the street, is the brainchild of Jamie Hawksworth and Jon Holdsworth under their vehicle the Pivovar Group.

The pair invested £500,000 in the site which is located on the ground floor and basement of the former White Swan Hotel on the corner of Piccadilly and Coppergate.

Philip Lewis Ogden, head of corporate at North and East Yorkshire law firm Harrowells advised on the acquisition of the 2,000 sq ft premises.

Pavement Vaults is the third bar and restaurant that the Pivovar Group have opened in York, following the launch of Pivní in Patrick Pool and York Tap at York Railway Station. The company launched in 2004 and now employs 146 staff with £8.0m in annual revenues.

It has also opened bars in Harrogate, Leeds and London and a brewery and pub at Sheffield.

Jamie Hawksworth says: “The former White Swan Hotel has been derelict for many years. I’ve had my eye on the premises as an ideal location for Pivovar virtually since we started the business so I jumped at the chance when this space became available.

“We have a good track record for renovating derelict premises, which is what we have achieved with almost all our bars, and I’m pleased to have invested in upgrading this space which I see as part of the regeneration of Piccadilly.

“Harrowells have been with us since we started and we are delighted that Philip Lewis Ogden and his team continue to look after our interests.”

Philip Lewis Ogden says: “These premises have been a derelict eyesore for more than 23 years since I first came to York and a blight on the city centre. We’re pleased to have supported Pivovar in launching Pavement Vaults which is an important stage in the overdue renovation of the Piccadilly area of York city centre.”