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Dining in Europe > York York is not only a place of infinite historical interest but also a
bustling metropolitan city. This is a duality reflected in the many and
varied places to eat and drink in the city. By day there are a multitude
of cafés and old fashioned tea rooms which shoppers and tourists flock
to and by night there are bars and pubs galore. Probably the most vibrant area of York is its ever growing coffee shop culture. In the city centre there are such places as the colourful Cappuccinos, popular amongst students and young people, as is Victor Js with its notably laid back, trendy atmosphere. Close by to Yorks most famous landmark, The Minster, is Coffee Culture, another fashionably small café with an excellent range of baguettes and light snacks for those on the go. Harking back to more traditional times are the splendid tea rooms found throughout the city, such as the Earl Grey Tea Rooms, James'Tea Rooms or the ever popular Bettys Tea Rooms. This elegant establishment offers a wide range of teas from around the world, all served up in 1920s style. For those who prefer a more European flavour there are Café Rouge and Cartons Tea Rooms, which serve up continental food as well as fine tea and coffee, all within easy reach of the city centre. Ask any local and they will tell you that there are 365 pubs in York, one for every day of the year. Although in reality the actual number may vary from year to year, this figure is never far from the truth. From traditional English-style pubs like The Five Lions, The Golden Ball and The Three Tuns, to the more modern, clubber-orientated bars like Merlins, Mc Millans and Harrys Bar. For the real ale aficionado, York has a wealth of watering holes, such as The Ackhorne, The Bluebell and The Maltings. The city is also host to several annual beer festivals, which as well as showcasing the nations lesser known breweries, often gives beer drinkers a chance to sample international ales. The most popular pubs in York are found along the famous Micklegate Run. Running down the middle of the city centre, local favourites like Walkers Bar, The Windmill and The Punch Bowl are joined by popular chain pubs like Scruffy Murphys, The Phalanx & Firkin and Edwards. Although many have attempted to drink a pint in every pub on "The Run," few have succeeded. In fact as the chain has grown over the years, most tend to skip a couple along the way. Having run the gauntlet of Micklegate, some people may manage to venture in to one of Yorks nightclubs while others may find they've built up a hearty appetite. Those who enjoy international cuisine will be well suited in York. For the Italian food lover, there are places like, Bella Pasta, La Piazza and La Romantica. South American and Mexican meals are served in establishments such as El Piano, Fiesta Mehicana and Plunketts. As curry is Britains most popular dish, it is only fitting that York should have plenty of top class Indian restaurants for those that like their food with a little spice. The Jinnah Balti House, Akash Tandoori and The Raj Mata Tandoori all serve authentic Indian meals which will satisfy newcomers and old hands alike. The Jade Garden and The Phoenix and The Willow will satisfy those with a taste for Cantonese. As well as all this, people who like more traditional English fare will be well catered for in York too and the likes of 19 Grape Lane, The Patio and Oscars have varied menus that will have plenty to satiate most tastes. The finest seafood can be found at The Blue Bicycle and the fish and chips specialists at The Wetherby Whaler serves the old favourite par excellence. Its fair to say that York has something to offer for just about every taste and has enough places to eat and drink to satisfy the most diverse of appetites. Though its roots may be in the distant past, its eyes are set on the future, ensuring an enjoyable gastronomic experience for anyone visiting York. Paul Revell Entertainment in YorkFor a such small city as York there really is no end to the entertainment possibilities. My advice is always to begin with a drink. With 365 pubs to choose from (allegedly) there are plenty of options for the seasoned drinker, especially the real ale lover. The Micklegate run is an established route for many groups willing to put their livers to the test. Although one can start where one wishes, possible kick-off spots include the Maltings in Tanners Moat for the real ale enthusiast, swiftly followed by the Corner Pin, literally around the corner or Yates' for the younger crowd. The challenge of a pint in every pub is too much for some folk to resist, but for the lighter-weighted amongst us opting out for the rest of the night in one of Yorks many and varied restaurants is surely forgivable. From Micklegate the Rise of the Raj and Jinnah Balti House restaurants are thankfully to hand for a welcome curry. You could even try staying sober for the evening and take in a performance at the Theatre Royal, which is the venue for regular productions of Shakespeare plays and other popular classics. The Joseph Rowntree Theatre hosts performances by Yorks own Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society while for the full range of concerts, comedy, theatre and dance visit the Grand Opera House. The venue attracts many big West End shows such as the award-winning Rent as well as all the popular kids and adult shows from Carmen to the Chuckle Brothers. York's Barbican Centre also pulls many stars from the music, comedy and theatre world from the Dubliners to Mark Lamaar, and a little further out of town in Pocklington the towns Civic Arts Centre holds a range of theatrical and music events for a range of ages. York has an excellent art-house cinema in City Screen that, unique to its genre, boasts 3 screens and luxury seating. Here you can catch screenings of independent, mainstream and world cinema as well as some educational events, talks and previews. To see the blockbusters visit the Odeon in the city centre, or the giant and modern Warner Village north of the city in Clifton Moor Retail Park where the choice is much greater. Fancy a flutter? Yorks racecourse at Knavesmire is affectionately known as the Ascot of the north. Voted Northern Racecourse of the Year in 1999, this sterling venue hosts many of Britains top meetings on the racing calendar. Its proximity to the city centre means you can work a day at the races in with a meal at one of Yorks fine restaurants. If you just want to close your eyes and listen to sweet music, York is the perfect place to experience classical concerts in the most tranquil of settings. Lunchtime recitals are held at York Minster and include performances by the York Musical Society Chorus & Orchestra. Similar religious and historical venues for classical events include the St. Michael le Belfry Church, just opposite the Minster, home to the Yorkshire Bach Choir, the Central Methodist Church and the Guildhall. Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, located in the University of York in nearby Heslington holds many unique musical events, with performers such as the Hilliard Ensemble. Those caught with the desire to move those feet and swing those pants are probably wondering why theres been no mention of nightclubs so far. The simple fact is York is not blessed with the crop of the clubbing scene. Of the citys five clubs, Toffs, Ziggys and Ikon & Diva (the names give them away somewhat) and the Gallery appeal to mainstream and student tastes. The fifth, at York Arts Centre has begun to attract the interest of the nations up-and-coming DJs. Most serious boppers head off to Leeds, not far by train, but they may sample one of Yorks many pre-club venues to wet their whistles. Walkers Bar, Edwards and Harrys Bar are but a few popular spots to get in the mood with a mix of dance music, plenty of fun drinks and a dressy crowd or two. If you want to stay local then all is redeemed by the dynamism of Yorks live music scene. Venues such as Fibbers have been host to some top names through the years, from Everything But the Girl to the Stereophonics and Travis and continue to promote local talent alongside popular gigs. The more awake of Yorks pubs often provide space for evenings of live music, spanning the taste spectrum from folk to rock, punk and pop. For years the Northern Wall, the Black Swan and the First Hussar have attracted punters wishing to make more of their time down the boozer. Jazz lovers can catch regular gigs at The Maltings and Borders Books, while the Red House café and antiques centre has a resident pianist providing a swing to Thursday evenings. York hosts a variety of cultural events from the four-yearly Mystery Plays to the York Carnival in July. There are also always buskers about in York, particularly in the summer along Parliament Street and in the squares. So if you just fancy wandering and taking in the evening in this most intriguing, historical city, Yorks narrow streets, packed with restaurants, bars and cafes will do more than to suffice. You could even take in a Ghost Walk on your evening travels, a novel and humorous experience of the citys dramatic past. Dining in Europe > York
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