New pub The King's Inn is coming to Shambles in York

Steph Blair and partner are nearing the opening of the newest pub in Shambles - the King's Inn.

Canadian-born Steph has been in York for around 12 years now. Both she and her partner have owned a variety of businesses together, including The Luxury Ice Cream Company (LICC).

One of their businesses is a bakehouse in Shambles.

"It was just one of these things where, this is an iconic building, and every day we'd see it empty," Steph said, about the new pub.

"It was just such a shame. We wanted to get back into the pub game but didn't know where to look but it was staring us in the face the whole time."

How the exterior looked previously (Image: Supplied)

Whilst the inside of the pub is yet to be revealed, The Press can reveal the site has seen a significant transformation.

"When we first bought it it was crammed with stuff, so when we stripped it all back we realised how big it was," Steph added.

"We are doing a lot of food, British tapas style food, picky bits, breakfasts, Sunday roasts, all that kind of stuff.

"Obviously we're appealing to people who live in York, but we know that the Shambles is so heavy with tourists. But we'd love it to be for families, people coming in for a drink, or for some food.

"In the future we want to add live music, quiz nights and all that sort of stuff."

The pub's interior is decorated with a variety of paintings, maps and designs, showcasing the Royal Family, Guy Fawkes, and York's history.

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"We wanted to make it a one stop shop for people to come in and look around and learn about the royal family, the history of York, the Shambles.

"Your eyes don't know where to stop looking."

A novelty cocktail menu has been devised to accompany the bar and kitchen, and Steph suggested a Paddington themed drink - with marmalade.

"Our food menu is sourced locally, even things like having York Gin, going through market stalls and finding different spirits. Our Cheesecake comes from The Cheesecake Guy on the street, our bread is from local bakeries.

"We're really big on supporting local businesses and independents, so we've tried as best we can to incorporate that."

No date has been set for the opening of The King's Inn. Finishing touches are being made, and an alcohol licence is yet to be confirmed by City of York Council.

"We're really excited, we've wanted to do this for a long time," Steph added.