York bar group creates 25 jobs with the opening of eighth outlet

25 jobs have been created with the launch of a new bar and smokehouse restaurant in a former derelict hotel in York City Centre.

The jobs have been created at Pavement Vaults in the ground floor and basement of the former White Swan Hotel at the corner of Piccadilly and Coppergate close to the main shopping area.

Pavement Vaults, which takes its name from a pub once open opposite, has been launched by York-based Pivovar Group, whose directors are beer aficionados, Jamie Hawksworth and Jon Holdsworth, with an initial investment of more than £500k.

All legal work on acquiring the 2,000 sq ft premises and contracts for the fitting out was handled by the head of the corporate team at North and East Yorkshire law firm, Harrowells, Philip Lewis Ogden who has advised Pivovar Group since it was launched.

Pavement Vaults, which has created jobs for bar staff, a chef, waiters and supply chain workers in other parts of Pivovar Group, is the third bar the company has opened in York, following Pivní in Patrick Pool and York Tap at York Railway Station.

Jamie Hawksworth said: “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.

“With every bar we open I try to create the dream venue which I would like to visit at that time. As well as a ‘slow-and-low’ cook smokehouse, we are featuring top-class beers and spirits from around the world. We’ve put together a great team, including butcher and three times world barbecue finalist Andy Annat, who also cooked for the Queen’s 80th birthday at Balmoral, and sommelier, Sam Wheatley.

“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.”

Since its launch in 2004, Pivovar Group, which now employs 146 staff and has a £8m turnover, has also opened bars in Harrogate, Leeds and London and a brewery and pub at Sheffield.

Philip Lewis Ogden added: “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.”