About Us

OUR HISTORY

We originally opened in 2001, as Melton’s Too. The Hjort family has owned businesses in York since 1990 when they opened the fine dining restaurant, Melton’s, on Scarcroft Road. In 2014, the business was renamed Walmgate Ale House. The family are passionate about using and promoting local produce. Following this passion, Walmgate Ale House is also the HQ for the York Food and Drink Festival of which Michael is Director. In 2018, we were keen to go back to our roots and develop a separate identity for the restaurant so the Chopping Block was born!

WALMGATE ALE HOUSE

Our rustic bar area is a cosy and comfy place for you to enjoy a drink (or two!). We have up to six real ales on tap each day all from local breweries. Our real ales are sourced through local, Yorkshire breweries and change regularly. These breweries include: Bad Co, Rudgate Brewery, York Brewery, Daleside Brewery, Treboom Brewery and Great Yorkshire Brewery who also provide us with Yorkshire Cider and Lager. Alongside this, we have local cider, lagers, fine wines & a wide selection of spirits.

We also have a large range of homemade Bar Snacks, such as Deep Fried Brie with Sweet Chilli, Mini Yorkshire Puddings with Pulled Beef or our Creamy Garlic Mushrooms with Homemade Bread. Something for everyone!

The Ale House is perfect for parties, such as Birthdays, Christenings or Retirement. Our Games Room & rear Bar area can accommodate up to 35 people comfortably, whether just enjoying drinks or settling in with a bespoke Bar Snack Buffet, catered to suit your needs.

History of OUR BUILDING

The Chopping Block and Walmgate Ale House are housed in a 17th century listed building on Walmgate.

Before the Hjort family took over the building, it was owned by Ellerker’s. From 1795 Ellerker’s sold saddles, harnesses and rope. Famously, Ellerker’s was commissioned to make the hangman’s nooses for York Prison (now York Castle Museum) which cordoned the phrase “For me there is no hope – was Ellerker’s made this rope.” We have kept the horses head figure at the front of the building from the Ellerker’s days as a symbol of pride in the building’s heritage. The interior of the Bar and Restaurant also reflects the history of the building and includes ropes, saddles and old photographs from the days of Ellerker’s.

Cat Trail & OUR RESIDENT GHOST

On the outside of the building, you will see a Cat. Our cat is one of around 22 cat statues across the city of York. Many of these cats were made by architect Toms Adams, who used the cats to mark his work. You can find the Cat Trail here.

During the 1970s when Ellerker’s was run by Paul Schofield, who sold Tarpaulins. He recalls a number of staff claiming seeing a Ghost in the Loft who moved objects, with great crashes, about the room.