Thor's Tipi opens in Museum Gardens, York, tonight

The popular tipi which used to be in Parliament Street, has opened tonight in Museum Gardens.

Visitors are greeted with a trail of fairy lights leading to the giant canvas which sits next to York's historic Multangular Tower which dates back to Roman times.

Thor's owner Amanda Monaghan invited The Press in for an exclusive first look before opening to customers for the first time this evening.

Thor's has popped up in Museum Gardens for the festive season for the first time this year

Inside, all the hallmarks of Thor's Tipi are apparent, including a burning open fire, fir trees and street food from popular York outlet Yuzu.

Amanda said the setting was "magical" and said she felt goosebumps as dusk fell over the lights-festooned venue.

She said: "It feels like a secret garden - almost like an escape from the city. The tipi looks at home and seems to blend into the garden.

Chris Hargroves of Yuzu with some of the street food he will be selling on site at Thor's

"It is super cosy with the fire, heaters and fairy lights - it is lovely and warm - and how lovely is it to look out and see the Multangular Tower?

"It feels like there is a presence around us - I can feel the history; it gives an aura to the place - it feels quite special."

Visitors can enjoy a mix of drinks, from winter warmers such as mulled wine, hot toffee cider and hot chocolate with Bailey's. New for this year is a hot chocolate with Haig Club Orange Whisky, which Amanda said was the team's favourite. Non alcoholic hot chocolate is also being served.

Cocktails and spirits as well as wines and beers are available too, including Cool Citra from local brewers Ainsty Ales at Acaster Malbis.

Hearty food full of Asian flavours will be served on site too from Yuzu. Boss Chris Hargroves said visitors could tuck into his special selection of hotdogs including a Katsu Curry hotdog, the spicy Fire Cracker dog and the Bangalor Bad Boy which has flavours of coconut, mango, lime and chilli. A selection of loaded fries are available too. A vegan sausage is available on request.

Thor's owner Amanda Monaghan inside the tipi ahead of opening tonight

Payments in the venue are by card only.

Thor's in the Museum Gardens will be open daily: Monday to Wednesday from 12 til 9pm; Thursday to Saturday from 12 to 10.30pm and Sundays from 12 to 8pm.

Live music will be playing, featuring local bands, on Thursdays from 5pm to 7.30pm and on Sunday from 4pm-6pm.

Amanda is also running another Thor's venue nearby in the grounds of The Principal hotel over the festive season.