Constructed in 1841 and designed by noted regional architect G T Andrews, The De Grey Rooms are a striking example of Regency architecture, distinguished by their grand façade and commanding street presence.
The property comprises a two-storey building with extensive basement, finished in white-painted render with sash windows, a balcony to the first floor, and a flat lead roof with lantern feature. Internally, access is via a central entrance hallway, with two office areas leading off either side. The entrance hall provides access to the principal staircase, service staircase, lift, WC facilities, and a rear office suite located on a mezzanine level above the basement. From the mezzanine, the basement can be reached, where an office area sits beneath the mezzanine and opens into a succession of storerooms finished with a mix of tiled and stone floors, painted walls and ceilings, and energy efficient lighting. The basement is also accessible via
both the lift and the service staircase.
The first floor - reached by either staircase or the lift - is dominated by the main hall/ballroom, the defining feature of the building. This magnificent space is a grand, two-storey-high rectangular ballroom with an expansive floor space and a striking lantern light overhead that floods the room with natural daylight. Decorative panelling and refined cornice detailing enrich the walls, creating an elegant and historic atmosphere. At the eastern end, a minstrel-style gallery overlooks the ballroom, enhancing its sense of drama and ceremonial scale. Adjacent to the ballroom is the bar area, which continues the theme of quality finishes with panelled walls, and a corniced, painted ceiling. A series of service rooms - including WCs, a kitchen, and an office area - are conveniently positioned off the main ballroom, supporting its use for events and gatherings.
The De Grey Rooms are located on St Leonard’s Place, York’s only Regency-styled street, distinguished by its elegant crescent of white-rendered
buildings. Set within the historic city walls, St Leonard’s Place is widely regarded as one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. St. Leonard’s Place forms one of the main York thoroughfares / transport routes, delivering seamless access to all areas of the city, the outer ring road, and regional
routes.
The building sits:
• Adjacent to Bootham Bar to the north
• Beside York Theatre Royal to the south
• Opposite Exhibition Square, York Art Gallery, and The King’s Manor York Minster, Museum Gardens, city-centre retail, hotels, dining, and transport hubs are within easy walking distance, ensuring visibility, convenience, and strong customer flow.
York continues to demonstrate one of the strongest city-centre economies in the North of England. With 9.4 million visitors (2024), a thriving evening economy, established cultural institutions, and strong regional and national connectivity, the city provides an exceptional platform for commercial operators in hospitality, culture, workspace, and events.
Key strengths include:
Robust visitor numbers supporting year-round footfall
Strong night-time economy driven by dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
Award-winning heritage city with exceptional brand recognition
Strategic rail links: London <2 hours; Leeds/Manchester 20–60 minutes
Diverse occupier base across culture, education, digital, creative and professional sectors
