Vogue magazine describes the selection at Coffee Republic as awesome.

Perhaps things have changed since this chain was established in London because we felt neither fear nor reverential wonder during our visit!

Having observed the building being refurbished (who traded there before?) it was interesting to explore this latest city coffee stop.

For a start, accommodation is a mixture of peninsula-like counters with a limited number of high stools, a few conventional tables and chairs plus some padded seats in an alcove.

Not the type of furniture to encourage lingering.

The young staff were bright, cheerful and efficient. Clearing away remnants from departing customers was an obvious priority.

With the exception of espresso coffee, all drinks appeared to come in disposable cups/mugs, whilst the plates were also for one-time use only.

Customers aged from a few days to the mature! No, we were not alone.

There were others in our age range. Not all customers found seats and either camped on the edge of an occupied counter or just stood between the tables.

Coffee, tea and hot chocolate came in a variety of sizes. One assistant took our order and money, shouting our requirements to a colleague.

Despite the general hubbub and music we got what we wanted, one cappuccino and a single espresso.

Away from the servery, a small counter enables you to customise your cup with nutmeg, chocolate or vanilla. A novel touch. Food consisted of bagels, speciality savouries, pastries and cakes.

The selection was limited but fresh. Ann was delighted with a double chocolate pecan brownie and shared a morsel with me.

I was more protective of my moist slab of fruit flapjack.

Both were jolly tasty. Our bill came to £4.99 for a visit of less than 15 minutes.

Restaurant: Coffee Republic

Address: Coffee Republic, Feasegate, York

Reviewed: June 5, 1999