York’s Iconic Pub, The Roman Bath, Reopens After Major Investment – Here’s What’s New

York’s much-loved Roman Bath pub is back and better than ever after a huge six-figure renovation. This historic venue, famous for its Roman bathhouse hidden beneath the building, has had a serious glow-up while keeping all the charm and history that make it special.

So, what’s changed? Well, quite a bit! From a brand-new sound system and a revamped bar layout to a state-of-the-art sports setup, the Roman Bath is ready to welcome back regulars and newcomers alike.

A Pub With History Beneath Your Feet

If you’ve ever walked past St Sampson’s Square, you’ve probably noticed the Roman Bath pub. But what makes it really special is what’s hiding underneath.

The pub sits on top of an actual Roman bathhouse, built nearly 2,000 years ago for the VI and IX Legions stationed in York. It was rediscovered in the 1930s and is now a mini-museum inside the pub, where you can see artifacts, weapons, armour, and ancient Roman tiles.

But the pub’s history doesn’t stop there. Before becoming the Roman Bath, it was called The Mail Coach, a name inspired by its landlord in 1823, George Pencock, who was a former postal worker. It wasn’t until after the bathhouse was found that the pub got its current name.

What’s New After the Big Renovation?

The team behind the Roman Bath, Craft Union, has put some serious effort into balancing modern upgrades with historic charm. The result? A pub that keeps its character but now offers a top-tier experience for socialising, live music, and sports.

Here’s what’s changed:

• A new bar layout – The bar has been relocated to create more space and improve service. No more squeezing through a crowd just to get a pint!
• Massive sports upgrade – If you love watching live sports, this is the place to be. The pub now has four HD TVs inside plus a large outdoor HD screen, so you can even enjoy the game in the sun. They’ve also added Sky Q, meaning you can catch EFL football, F1, rugby, tennis, boxing, and more.
• Live music, but even better – The Roman Bath has always been big on live music, but now it’s got a brand-new sound system to take performances to the next level.
• A killer events lineup – The pub isn’t just about drinks; it’s about bringing people together. Expect weekly quizzes, karaoke nights, and live DJs every weekend.

Reopening Weekend – Live Music, Late Nights & More

To celebrate the reopening, the Roman Bath is pulling out all the stops. This Friday, the beloved York band, The Mothers, will take the stage for an epic comeback gig. And to keep the party going, the pub will stay open until 2 AM—a rare treat for the York pub scene!

Regular visitors will also notice an expanded drinks menu, featuring beers, ciders, wines, and plenty of low and no-alcohol options. Plus, well-behaved dogs are welcome, so you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind.

A Pub That’s Here to Stay

Operator Tom Lakin summed up the excitement best:

“We’ve worked so hard behind the scenes to make these improvements, and it’s been amazing to welcome everyone back. The new sound system is something I’m especially excited about, and I can’t wait for locals to experience it during our reopening celebrations.”

With its rich history, brand-new features, and buzzing events calendar, the Roman Bath isn’t just reopening—it’s making a statement. Whether you’re here for the history, the pints, the sports, or the live music, one thing’s for sure: York’s Roman Bath is back, and it’s better than ever.