Pairings Wine Bar: award-winning York bar to close after 10 years - as founders explore next steps in the area
After a decade of welcoming wine lovers, the bar’s founders have thanked the community and hinted at what’s next 🍷
- York’s Pairings Wine Bar will close on Sunday, January 25, 2026 after 10 years
- The closure is due to landlords reclaiming the Castlegate property, not business performance
- Founders Kate Latham and Kelly Gamble explored relocating, but planning and costs made it unviable
- The entire Pairings team will remain employed, with job security a priority
- The sisters are exploring future opportunities in York and the surrounding region
An award-winning York wine bar is preparing to pour its final glass after a decade of welcoming locals and visitors to its Castlegate home.
Pairings Wine Bar founders Kate Latham and Kelly Gamble have confirmed that Sunday, January 25, 2026 will mark the last day of trading.
The closure comes after the building’s landlords decided to take back the premises to operate under a new brand.
Kate and Kelly stressed that the decision is not related to business performance, but rather an unavoidable consequence of losing their long-standing location.
The sisters had initially hoped to relocate nearby, but planning hurdles and unexpected costs made a move unfeasible.
“Our hand has been forced,” said Kate. “We explored every possible option to remain in the city centre... because our people matter - our team, our guests, and our community. Unfortunately, there is no viable route that allows us to continue trading at this time.”
Kelly added: “This is not the end of our story. Pairings has always been driven by passion: a genuine love for hospitality, for our team, and for every guest who walks through our doors.
“We are immensely proud of what we’ve built and deeply grateful for the loyalty, kindness, and support our guests continue to show us.”
Customers can continue to visit the bar until the closure date and redeem any vouchers. All bookings after Sunday, January 25, 2026 will be cancelled, with guests contacted directly.
The sisters have said that protecting the Pairings reputation is their priority, noting that the closure reflects circumstances beyond their control, not the business’s success.
In a reassuring move for staff, the entire Pairings team will remain employed during the transition, with job security a key focus.
Looking ahead, Kate and Kelly are exploring new opportunities within York and the surrounding region, suggesting that the Pairings spirit may yet find a fresh home.
“While we may be stepping away from Castlegate, we are not stepping away from what makes Pairings special. This is the close of one chapter, not the end of the story,” said Kate.