Thor’s in Museum Gardens as part of York Christmas Market

Thor’s tipi will be opening in Museum Gardens for the first time over the festive period this year.

The bar will be close to the Museum Street entrance to the gardens in front of the Multangular Tower and they'll be open from Wednesday, November 15 to Sunday, December 31, as part of the York Christmas Market.

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Flashback to the Multangular Tower illuminated back in 2009

Richard and Amanda Monaghan, the York couple behind Thor’s, say they’ll have all the classic Thor’s fun, with two giant tipis, roaring log fires, live music with local bands, a drinks menu and feasts from Yuzu street food and Ciao.

Richard and Amanda Monaghan (Image: Anthony Chappel-Ross)

Amanda said: “Being a local Yorkie born and bred, I’m super excited that we’re going to be in the Museum Gardens this Winter. We’ll be adorning the gardens with fairy lights, Christmas cheer and the Thor's warmest of welcomes.

"We’re forever grateful to York Museums Trust, it’s going to be a very special year and everyone’s invited.”

Hosting Thor's tipi in the Museum Gardens precedes another busy year for the Museum's Trust which will welcome the National Gallery's Claude Monet painting 'The Water-Lily Pond' to York Art Gallery. There will also be regular garden events, including the York Proms, Outdoor Cinema and a Silent Disco. 

Kathryn Blacker, chief executive of York Museums Trust said, chief executive of York Museums Trust, said:  “We are pleased to be hosting Thor's tipi in our gardens this winter as a local and well-established business.

"It’s an exciting time for the York Museums Trust and this is an opportunity to welcome more people in to enjoy the Museum Gardens over winter.” 

Kathryn Blacker

As The Press reported back in July, Make it York confirmed there will be no pop-up bar this year in Parliament Street

For many years, the St Nicholas Market featured Thor’s and last year the Winter Hutte took its place with a Swiss chalet featuring a restaurant above and bar below and the joint venture between Coopers Marquees, CMJ Events and chef Andrew Pern of The Star Inn the City (York).

Fireside refreshments inside Thor's tipi

But this year the hutte was cancelled, reportedly over licensing issues and Make it York said they sought a successor, but no-one made the grade.

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director Make it York, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Thor's tipi will be an integral part of Christmas in York this year, bringing their signature festivities and laughter to the city as part of new plans to ensure footfall is spread more evenly across the centre at peak periods. Their presence offers a unique, warm, and wonderfully exciting festive experience for both residents and visitors.”

Thor's will also be taking up their usual Winter residency in the grounds of the Principal Hotel next to the railway station with their ‘Grand Alpine Hall’, the most festive party space, with hundreds of red baubles, Christmas trees and log burning stoves, perfect for bookable parties and open from November 10 to the December 24.

Thor's Tipi Grand Alpine Hall in the grounds of the Principal Hotel (Image: Supplied)