‘Dracula’ themed bar opens in historic former Whitby post office

​The conversion of an 18th-century Grade-II listed former post office in the centre of Whitby has been approved by the council.

​The Crown Bar, which now also features a log burner, is located in a terraced property at 100, Church Street.

​The site was formerly used as a post office but had been vacant for several years and now “invites visitors into a world where gothic fiction and local heritage collide”.

​“The interior leans fully into Whitby’s connection with Dracula, wrapping guests in a moody, immersive setting that feels equal parts museum, storytelling chamber, and late-night haunt,” according to the bar’s website.

​The application was approved despite Whitby Town Council raising concerns “that the proposal does not appear to provide adequate accessibility or servicing arrangements”.

​“In particular, the only toilet is shown up a step with no clear step-free route from the front retail area, and no log storage has been identified on the submitted plans,” WTC added.

​However, planning officers said the proposal was considered appropriate and noted that the internal alterations, including fireproofing of timbers, the installation of a log burner, and internal decorative work, did not raise any objections from the conservation officer.

​A planning report states: “The proposed development would not result in structural alteration to the building, or loss of historic fabric.

​“There are proposed features which are to be attached to the historic masonry of the walls and floors, with an island bar fixed to the ground and shelving to the walls. These are modest additions and do not significantly alter the significance of the designated heritage asset and is not considered to result in harm to the significance of the designated heritage asset.”

​The development includes the installation of a new fascia signage board, which officers said would be placed over the existing, early to mid-20th century, shopfront fascia sign, “which will be retained and concealed”.

​North Yorkshire Council concluded that the development would not have a harmful impact on the historic building and approved the application on Friday, May 8.