Address: The Bonding Warehouse, Terry Ave, York, YO1 6FA
Description
A sign on the river-facing side of a building features large metal letters, announcing “The Bonding Warehouse” in gold-coloured text.
History
The idea of a bonding warehouse in York dates back to 1833, when merchant traders gathered at the Merchants Hall to discuss it.
By August 1873, the existing warehouse was so busy and “packed full of goods” that plans were drawn up by June 1874 to build an adjoining three-storey block.
The new structure, designed by city surveyor George Styan in 1875, was constructed on a site with a long history of port control dating back to the 12th century.
The location was once home to the Common Crane, used for loading and unloading ships, with a tax levied for its use.
In the 1980s, the Bonding Warehouse was repurposed, opening as a pub and steak bar. It gained popularity for its reasonably priced meals, attracting both tourists and locals.
1981 – Inside the Bonding Warehouse Source: York Press
In May 1985, writer John Potts visited the restored warehouse by the River Ouse and found it transformed from a bleak-looking building into a vibrant and inviting eatery.
1980s – You can see that ‘Restaurant & Bar’ has been added beneath the sign Source: York Press
However, the Bonding Warehouse closed after the floods of 2000 and has since become an upscale apartment block.
In 2004, the famous sign on the river-facing side of the building had its letter “N” stolen, leading local media to jokingly refer to it as the “Bo Ding Warehouse.”
Later that summer, the York Peace Collective briefly occupied the building.
By September 2006, The Press reported that the building was set to be sold, and that winter, squatters occupied it for a short period.
Despite these changes, the Bonding Warehouse retains its place in York’s rich history and continues to be a point of interest for residents and visitors alike.
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