"IT'S a magical space - it's just amazing to be here!"
Those are the words of York businessman Warren Booth standing inside the historic Monk Bar which he and Marcus Doyle are in the process of converting from a former museum into a new shop called Monk Bar at the Gate.
The duo, who own the Yorkshire Soap Company and The Imaginarium in Blake Street and The Society of Alchemists in Shambles are also in the process of converting the former Owl Adventures shop in Our Lady's Row, Goodramgate into a shop, making it their fifth shop in the city.
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"The shop will have it's own identity. We'll run it linked to our other brands, but it's going to have its own identity and we have chosen items that fit the Bar," said Warren.
"We have a lot of things for children including replica swords and helmets and we have lent into the magical element a bit with crystal infused insense and wax melts."
The duo have created a range of bespoke products inspired by the heritage of Monk Bar, which will be sold exclusively at the site.
"At the moment we have the building for a year and we're hopeful that it will be longer term," said Warren.
The shop has it's own custom designed dragon, which has yet to be named by the eight full and part-time staff who are set to work there under manager Kelly Markham, who will manage Monk Bar alongside the Alchemist.
A collection of dragon-themed perfumed will be on sale - all made here in York - and with names like Dragon's Blood, Sleeping Dragon and Dragon's Tears.
Monk Bar is the largest and most ornate of York's medieval gates or bars, it dates from the early 14th century and has the city’s only working portcullis. The rooms above the gateway have had various uses over the years, including as a home and as a jail for rebellious Catholics in the 16th century.
Although the building will operate as a retail space, Marcus stressed that Monk Bar will remain open to everyone, whether they choose to shop or simply wish to explore the historic interior.
He said that having taken advice from Disability Action Yorkshire, for anyone who can't make it up the stairs there will be an online catalogue and staff will bring products down.
The Yorkshire Soap Company directly employs more than 80 team members across Yorkshire, including those working in their stores, the distribution centre in Elvington, and their soap kitchen on James Street in York. The company still manufactures around 60 per cent of its products in York, maintaining a strong commitment to local craftsmanship and production.
Marcus and Warren are highly experienced in working sensitively with heritage buildings, demonstrated by their two stores at The Piece Hall in Halifax: The Society of Alchemists and a Yorkshire Soap Company store—both located within one of the UK’s most iconic historic settings.
Marcus said the upstairs of Monk Bar will serve as his office. They plan to open from Tuesday, July 7 from 11am-5pm seven days a week.
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