THE Slug and Lettuce in York’s Swinegate has reopened after a £250,000 refurbishment, which has led to the creation of 15 new jobs.

The bar re-opened on Saturday, but a launch party will be held this Friday – with local businesses and residents invited to take a first peek at a VIP reception from 5pm, before doors open to the public at 7pm.

“Throughout the evening, bartenders will entertain guests with cocktail masterclasses and tasters from premium brand representatives.

General manager Laura McMahon will be giving away a real diamond worth £500 to one lucky customer,” said a spokesman.

“The weekend will then culminate in a Family Fun Day on Saturday, allowing families to celebrate the launch of Kids Eat for £1.”


Last call to look at Great East Window panels 

VISITORS to York Minster this half term will be among the last people to see at close range 600-year-old stained glass panels from the Great East Window.

Five medieval masterpieces are currently on show in the cathedral’s Orb, which permanently closes on May 31 so York Glaziers Trust can start the epic task of returning the glass to the window.

The Orb opened in October 2012 to allow visitors to learn about the work to restore and conserve the cathedral’s East End.

More than 1.4 million people have had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to view more than 30 different pieces of restored stained glass from the window, which is the largest single expanse of medieval glass in the country.


New race for cycling fans

CYCLISTS who are wanting to take part in the Tour of Yorkshire this summer but have fitness or time constraints have another option.

The tour, a 151-mile multi-stage professional cycling experience for amateurs taking in some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful countryside and iconic climbs plus some of the 2014 Tour de France route, takes place on June 20 and 21 but there are now also one-day places.

Riders signing up for one day will experience the same high level of support and service that those riding both days receive.

Places cost £29 with a reduced fundraising target of £200, or self-funded places are £69.50.

People can sign up by visiting tourofengland.co.uk.


Charity’s loyalty cards

OXFAM is rolling out a successful loyalty card scheme from its bookshop in York’s Petergate to its York sister store in Micklegate, and also to its bookshops in Harrogate and Beverley, on June 1.

The scheme entitles customers to a free paperback book for every six that they buy, says the charity, which has also announced that Fairtrade coffee will also now be available in all four shops every weekday between 10am and 11am, again from June 1.


10k run support launched

A RUNNING group has been set up to help people get to the stage where they can run 10km.

Earlier this year City of York Council’s sport and active leisure team introduced a course to help people go from walking to running 5km.

Now a new programme will see joggers step up the distance from 5km to 10km with the support of qualified run leaders.

The programme is timed to help people to run a full distance at the Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All York 10k on Sunday, August 2.

Everyone is welcome, but participants should already be able to jog 5k.

Sessions start on Wednesday, at 6.30pm, from Rowntree Park and will continue weekly for ten weeks.

The course costs £15.

For further information and to book your place, phone Dean Sharp on 01904 553377 or alternatively, e-mail dean.sharp@york.gov.uk