AS regular diners and drinkers at the Melbourne Arms since it re-opened last November, we were surprised, to put it mildly, to read James Kilner's review (Eating Out, June 12).

Disappointed to find no a la carte menu, James? Perhaps you should read your own newspaper more carefully.

The Melbourne Arms' advertisements in the Evening Press offer the early bird and specials menu during the week - when you visited - and a la carte at weekends.

If you didn't know that in advance, the blackboard right outside the pub makes it clear.

Regarding the quality of the food, it was interesting that your companions' comments seemed much more positive than yours. However, it seems only your opinion counts, to judge from the balance of the article.

A number of our friends from York have visited the Melbourne Arms on our recommendation - and all of them have been back again.

Finally, if you had really been paying attention you would have seen the posters for the charity event Justin and Clare are organising on behalf of York Hospital's special care baby unit.

It's a delight to have a local which cares about more than its bottom line - which is why just about the only thing you got right is that it's such a friendly pub.

Dee and Alan Crompton,

Melbourne,

York.

Updated: 10:54 Monday, June 28, 2004