Little Ale House- York outdoor bar plans next steps

A listed building consent application from Harrogate Tipple to create a beer garden at the back of The Little Ale House, in Stonegate, has been approved by City of York Council.

The company’s plans stated it would have space for about 50 people and bring a space by the Grade I-listed Norman House into use for its patrons.

Council planning officers stated the proposed works were acceptable and would preserve the special architectural interest and setting of the main bar building which is also listed.

They added separate planning permission would be required for the freestanding bar in the beer garden.

The plans follow the opening of The Little Ale House in the Grade II*-listed 46-50, Stonegate in December.

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Little Betty’s Café was previously based there until it closed in 2021.

An existing concrete and asphalt surface is set to be replaced with bricks or stone flags as part of the plans to convert the rear yard into a beer garden.

Timber benches, stools and picnic tables are set to be brought in along with moveable planters and pots while a dead tree will also be removed.

A timber-clad outdoor bar would be built and covered with a pitched slate roof if officials grant it planning permission.

Part of the ruins of Norman House run alongside the border of the courtyard where the beer garden is set to go.

An impression showing how the beer garden planned for The Little Ale House, in Stonegate, York, could look (Image: Harrogate Tipple/City of York Council planning portal)

The ruins are thought to be the remains of the oldest surviving domestic building in York.

Harrogate Tipple’s plans stated the works would replace the existing unattractive yard with a landscaped space which would the settings of the Norman remains and the business’ viability.

The application stated: “The existing courtyard is visually unattractive and inaccessible to patrons, yet it enjoys glimpsed views towards York Minster and the Norman House.

“Creating a small beer garden would support the viability of the new business, provide an outdoor meeting space in keeping with York’s tradition of courtyard inns, and give the public the opportunity to appreciate the Norman remains from within a managed environment.”

The plans were supported by York Civic Trust and Historic England stated they would provide a great opportunity to provide information about the medieval ruins.

No objections were lodged against the plans.

Council planning officers stated an interpretation for Norman House should be included as part of the redevelopment.

Officials said: “The proposed works for a free-standing bar to the rear of 46 Stonegate will require planning permission, neighbouring impact will be considered as part of a planning application.”