Bishopthorpe Road- Dark Horse Espresso Bar pergola plan

An application proposes installing a pergola in the outdoor seating area of the Dark Horse Espresso Bar, on the corner of Bishopthorpe Road and South Bank Avenue.

The coffee house’s application stated it would enhance the area which would remain in keeping with the vibrant café culture of Bishopthorpe Road.

A louvered pergola would be mounted on an outside wall and positioned above the outdoor seating area at the front of the building.

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It would provide shelter and replace an existing umbrella which has struggled to stay up during strong winds, exposing the area to rain.

The pergola will be finished in dark grey metal to match the colour scheme of the outside of the building.

Plans stated the scale of the pergola was modest and it would not dominate the front of the building.

The application stated: “Bishopthorpe Road is a well-established and
vibrant mixed-use high street, characterised by a variety of independent shops, cafés, and small commercial premises at ground floor level, with residential accommodation typically located above a few properties seen on the street.

“The street is widely recognised for its strong local identity and active frontage, contributing to a lively and well-used public realm.

“The proposal represents a modest and functional addition that supports the existing commercial use, enhances the quality of the outdoor seating provision, and responds appropriately to the character and activity of Bishopthorpe Road.

“The proposed pergola will provide shelter over the existing outdoor seating area, enhancing the usability and functionality of the space while respecting the active frontage and vibrant café culture of Bishopthorpe Road.”

Mark Edwards, originally from Australia, and his York-born wife Laura received planning permission to convert the former kitchen showroom at 147 Bishopthorpe Road into a café in 2023.

They have run the Dark Horse Espresso Bar in Shambles Market since 2018.