A new government survey says new style bars are killing off traditional boozers. Beer writer DAN BEERGUTSTEIN investigates

PUT on your designer labels, order your bottle of WKD blue, settle down in the sofa and soak up the new drinking style in York.

Things have changed dramatically in this historic city over the years, with drinking patterns altering from the traditional boozers to the rash of continental style caf-bars that are opening everywhere.

Although the delights of the Ye Olde Starre Inne will never fade, it seems many drinkers are leaning towards smarter clothes and less traditional drinks for a night out.

This clearly recognisable trend as been confirmed by a two-year study funded by the Government's Economic and Social Research Council, set up to look at the development of nightlife and youth culture in Britain's cities - an industry worth £22 billion a year, three per cent of Gross Domestic Product.

Out goes the lager-fuelled lad dressed in a Ben Sherman shirt and shiny loafers, the research claims.

Owners of pub chains are creating a landscape of bars where branded outlets offer uniform decor and drinks menus cater for white-collar workers.

In more extreme circumstances, bouncers are working as "fashion-pickers", claims the study by the Newcastle University academics.

Although this is not quite happening yet in York, in may not be a million miles away.

"There is a lot more choice offered by these style of bars," said Andrew Wingfield, manager at the Slug & Lettuce, in Back Swinegate, the first of the national chain caf-bars to come to the city.

"I think the new bars have done a lot for the city and I don't think they will shut down traditional pubs - there is room for pubs.

"We appeal to all ranges, are far more female-friendly, offer a huge selection of drinks - including real ales - and good food.

"It is a the new way of things. It is a more continental style of drinking, it is just a shame we don't have the relaxed licensing laws to go with it."

But not everyone is happy with the changes sweeping the city. John Cass, licensee at North Street's First Hussar, believes now is not a good time to be in the pub trade - unless you run a wine bar.

"Drinking habits in York have changed entirely in the last few years. It is becoming more European with people coming out later and drinking different drinks.

Traditional pubs still have much to offer, but it is persuading the younger generation of that that is the problem."

Working men's clubs, steeped in tradition even more then some pubs, are also struggling in the new climate.

York licensing officer Ashley Fitzhugh thinks the influx of new "style bars" have enriched the city.

"It offers a lot more choice of where to drink, which can only be a good thing," he said.

"They have brought jobs and business to the city and may play a part in attracting tourists. I don't think they harm the traditional boozers who have a specific type of clientele.

"I expect all new applications into the city to come from these type of modern bar."

The change has certainly boosted York's economy. Aside from the extra jobs, Bar 38 was a £1 million investment and the Pitcher & Piano is unlikely to have been much less.

But for the real ale traditionalist, there is an oasis. York Brewery.

The popular beermaker has opened two pubs in the city, the Three Legged Mare and Last Drop Inn, both following the traditional pattern.

The good news is more are in the pipeline - so maybe both sides of the drinking coin can flourish in the city.

So, clink together your jug of Mexican Ice tea and pint of Yorkshire Terrier and say cheers to a healthy future for the city's leisure industry.

Updated: 11:03 Saturday, November 03, 2001