DRINKING opportunities in York continue their ascent towards beer and wine heaven as another quality bar enters the licensing arena.

Meltons Too, the bar and bistro on Walmgate, is the newest establishment to gain a licence and is already five days into its life in the city.

A spin-off from the Scarcroft Road restaurant, the Too version is attempting to stand alone with a different venue and concept. Offering a more informal environment, there is a bistro upstairs with a caf-bar style on the ground floor.

One definite similarity with its mother restaurant will be the quality on offer, promises proprietor Michael Hjort.

"We have always taken great pride in the products we serve, and Meltons Too will be no exception," he told Bar Talk.

"We are looking to attract a certain type of clientele and Walmgate is the place to do that. This is not a discount booze bar; we are offering a quality product, whether it be food, wine or beer."

He backs up this claim with a fine wine selection and a selection of Belgian beers complemented by York Terrier - "supporting the local brewery" - on draught.

This clearly is not a high-volume caf bar, but yer more sophisticated and cosy establishment, like.

It aims to offer something a little more refined than some in York will be used to.

Meltons Too could not be any less similar to a pub.

- IT is that time of year again when animals and children are afraid, people stagger through the streets jaws agape and Casualty is on stand-by for bizarre and self-inflicted injuries.

No, it is not Micklegate stag night season again, it is bonfire night. Without the mass public display the people of York are crying out for, it is once again up to the pubs to fill a gap in the market.

Opportunity knocks on the bonfire front at the Spotted Ox, at Tockwith, tonight. The barbecue starts at 5.30pm and the main event kicks in at 7.30pm.

On Monday, the real Guy Fawkes night, there is a bonfire and fireworks night at the Roebuck Inn, Appleton Roebuck. The noise will begin at 7pm.

- SURELY a highlight in anyone's fireworks calendar is the massive display at the Royal Oak, Hirst Courtney, near Selby.

Floods knocked last year's event on to Christmas Eve, but this year it is back on November 5 and promises to be as big as ever.

More than 2,000 people are expected to attend, craning their necks for the massive bonfire and display "worth a few grand".

A hog roast will be on the go, along with the pie and peas, burgers and obligatory outside bar.

Admission is £1, the event starts at 5pm, the fire is lit at 7.30pm and the big bangs will crack off at around 8pm.

"This should be as spectacular event as you will see in North Yorkshire," said Catherine Purdy from the pub.

"It will be a massive event and we expect them to come in from all over for this one. It has become somewhat of a tradition in these parts and it will be particularly pleasing to have it on the right day without having to worry about the floods."