OUR family evening out started at Yates's Wine Lodge where we have often eaten as a family: no children allowed.

We then went to the First Hussar where children were allowed but we had to sit in a small, cold, empty, quiet and unwelcoming room. We left.

We then saw a sign for the Little John, Castlegate: food served all day. They didn't serve food all day - they had forgotten to take in the sign!

Then we tried the new Wetherspoon's next to the Travelodge. We thought the menu looked scrummy and there was a welcoming sign on the wall which said "families welcome". However, not after 5pm!

By this time we had two hungry girls to deal with so we crossed the busy road and headed into the Masons Arms. The young woman and man behind the bar could not have been more friendly and helpful - and they allowed children. At last we did not feel like second class citizens because we are a family.

They helped us with the menu, even slightly modifying the chicken korma our younger daughter, Lucianne, ordered so that it came with chips and rice. The food was delicious.

We left the Masons with our faith restored in the great British pub, and very full. Thanks for a fabulous meal.

Julie Dickens,

Huntington Road, York.

Updated: 10:31 Friday, May 31, 2002