THE pub in the shadow of Micklegate Bar was once known as the Bar. Now it's got a new name: the Micklegate. Who said imagination was dead?

In between its former life as the Bar Hotel and now, the pub was Scruffy Murphy's. But at the end of last year, it shrugged off its fake Oirish ancestry and returned to proper Yorkshire values: good beer and grub.

It is still part of a chain. The Micklegate was the first northern pub to be redone along Firkin Beer Co guidelines, part of the Spirit Group. Bafflingly, however, it has nothing to do with the Phalanx And Firkin just up the road which, we gather, will be changing name soon.

The confusion has all to do with different pub groups exchanging bits of their estates. We could tell you more but we haven't done enough research (even though this is the most over-manned column in journalism).

But we did pop along to the Micklegate and chat to landlord Alan Welch. He has overseen the change from Scruffy to smart casual.

"It had been Scruffy Murphy's for seven years," he said. "It had lived its life as an Irish theme bar, there not being that massive an Irish community in York.

"The new look has been very well received. It's a lot more female-friendly and more comfortable."

The great news for people with working tastebuds is Alan now stocks a large range of delicious beers.

Racked up behind the bar are three barrels of bitter. Tetley's is the resident, with two cask guests - London Pride and Landlord on our visit.

Then there's a sublime draught Belgian beer, Affligen (six per cent ABV) and a zingy Dutch wheat beer, Wieckse Witte (five per cent).

And if that's not enough choice, there is a selection of bottled beers (two for one on Tuesday nights), proudly displayed on the "3D blackboard". These include English treats like the beautiful Bateman's XXXB as well as Belgium's Delirium (which is - ouch - nine per cent).

Food is served from noon to 11pm. And the Evening Eats menu offers two meals, such as mixed grill or steak and chips, for £6.95 from 5pm to closing time.

The big screen sports coverage remains popular. Alan is a member of the York Chelsea Supporters Club which meets at the Micklegate. Where else (except a phone box)?

The newest innovation at the pub is the Sunday night quiz. For a £1 entry fee, you too could compete for prizes donated by local companies, such as a haircut or a boat trip on the Ouse.

All the money goes towards the project to create an arts centre on the Hungate site.

Along with another recent Spirit Group pub makeover, The Bedroom, The Micklegate is helping to relaunch the nightlife of a street which was once just a young drinkers' circuit.

Instead of the Micklegate Run, it might soon be the Micklegate Walk, Sit Down, Drink Nice Beer And Have A Chat. What a refreshing change.

PUNTERS in classic city centre local the Five Lions might find themselves feeling a bit sleepy on Thursday - but it won't be because of the beer.

Instead, it could be because they've volunteered themselves into the power of hypnotist George Lord, making his first appearance at the Walmgate pub at 7.30pm.

Gaffer Craig Holt said: "I won't be getting up myself but I think some of the regulars will, they're daft enough to. It should be a good night, it's free and is bound to be a laugh."

Nervous volunteers will be able to get a bit of Dutch courage from Craig's special offers, soon to be extended with Boddington's going down to £1.45 a pint.

VOUCHERS for breast enlargement, liposuction and tummy tucks are changing hands at the Stockton on the Forest Inn - but it has nothing to do with aesthetically-challenged drinkers.

The Malton Road business is offering customers money off their food bill in return for vouchers from any company, for whatever purpose and no matter how out of date.

Visitors have started to compete on who can find the weirdest and most wonderful promotion.

Manager Stephen Sharples said: "We have been presented with some rather obscure offerings so far, including vouchers for money off breast enlargement, liposuction and tummy tucks - I'm just waiting to see what turns up next.

"The idea has proved a huge success and customers are having great fun challenging each other to find the strangest vouchers."

He added that the scheme has proved so popular, a meal worth up to £60 is on offer for the owner of the unlikeliest voucher. The winner will also qualify for a national draw to win holiday vouchers worth £500.

Vouchers are worth £8 against the cost of a meal until the end of February and customers can redeem one voucher for every £20 spent on food and drink. There is no limit to the number of vouchers per person so if you have two vouchers and spend £40, you get £16 off.

So check down the back of the sofa, rummage around in those forgotten drawers - there may well be a meal-for-two in there somewhere.

Updated: 08:43 Saturday, February 22, 2003