Nadia Jefferson-Brown samples an alternative night out on Micklegate.

WHEN asked to think of Micklegate at night, I conjure up hazy images of stiletto-heeled revellers wearing belts for skirts, clattering from one drinking den to the next.

No doubt I'll be corrected by those more familiar with "the Micklegate Run" but I can honestly say it has never struck me as an obvious destination for a quiet meal out - until now.

After sampling a few bevies at Brigantes Bar & Brasserie - the latest bar to open along York's busiest stretch of nightspots - I was really taken with the place.

The smoke-free surrounds gave it instant appeal, coupled with the simple yet stylish interior with wooden panelling and cosy booths.

I returned with my husband Gary and friends Paul and Rosanna, with my hunger pangs almost audible in the music-free bar.

We scrutinised the menu while enjoying half pints of Warsteiner (£1.35) for me and Rosanna from the range of Continental lagers on draft, and pints of Theakston's Black Bull (£2.18) for Gary and Paul.

There were eight ales on hand pumps, bottled beers, a good selection of soft drinks as well as alcohol-free Erdinger.

The specials board is alongside the bar and featured dishes such as chicken wrapped in Parma ham on caramelised onion mash with thyme jus (£10.50) and peppered medallions of beef, with horseradish mash and stilton jus (£11.50).

For starters, I went for the homemade Tortilla chips with melted cheese, with sweet chilli sauce and sour cream as dips (£3.50).

The very generous portion arrived before everyone else's and had Paul wishing he could change his order at the last minute.

The Tortillas were large, golden and so plentiful they seemed an absolute bargain. But while Brigantes should be commended for making their own, they lost my vote as soon as I saw how oily they were.

I ate a few for good measure, but then offered them around. But we all agreed they were too greasy by far, not helped by the cheese which had congealed into a heavy clump.

It was a disappointing let-down.

Rosanna happily tucked into a large bowl of mussels which came in Erdinger Weiss Beer with a basket of bread (£5.50 or £8.95).

The mussels were good, the beer taste was "interesting" but she said she preferred the more traditional white wine or tomato and garlic accompaniment.

Paul went for the roasted red pepper and tomato soup with croutons (£3.50) and shared Rosanna's brimming basket of bread.

He found it a very reasonably-priced, fairly flavoursome starter. I had a spoonful and felt the roasted pepper gave it a distinct taste.

Gary had the warm salad of Parma ham, buffalo mozzarella and fresh herbs from the specials board (£4.95).

It was attractively presented, although the large plate made the portion look so small the rest of us daren't deprive him of any by sampling it.

He was impressed with the quality of the thick slices of Parma ham and tasty mozzarella and felt quite content with his lot after savouring each mouthful.

For my main, I went for the "Posh Pie" (£8.95), billed as "an up-market variation of steak, ale and mushroom pie with truffle oil and mash".

It sounded mouth-wateringly divine and I wasn't wrong.

My rumbling stomach eased with each morsel of the tender steak which was served in a parcel of pastry with a side portion of creamy mash and a very rich gravy. It was sumptuous.

It came with a side terrine of extra mash and mixed vegetables including sun-dried tomatoes, courgette and aubergine which were chargrilled.

Rosanna went for the seared tuna from the Specials (£9.50) which was beautifully presented on a bed of Mediterranean vegetables with balsamic dressing and pesto drizzled decoratively around the plate.

The large steak of chargrilled tuna was still pink in the middle and succulent but could have been a bit warmer when served.

We were a bit confused about whether my portion of extra vegetables was to be shared as we felt the tuna needed either a potato or rice accompaniment to complete the dish. However, the waiter couldn't tell us when we asked so it is worth checking what the specials come with when you order.

Gary plumped for the homemade traditional beer burger with blue cheese and thick bacon while Paul went for the burger with Monterey Jack and Pineapple (both £7.25).

They both said the chunky burgers were very meaty and tender - Gary declared it "probably the best I have had" - with a good choice of extras.

They came in ciabatta - a refreshing change to the more typical fluffy buns - with crispy hand-cut chips which went down well with all of us, and dressed leaves.

It was a simple dish done well.

Burger fans looking for something a bit different could also have chosen the Thai Fish Burger (£6.95) - "made from pure fish, no flour or breadcrumbs".

The dessert menu was on a small blackboard on the bar and featured ice cream and sorbets (£3.95) and hazelnut rice pudding (£3.95) which sounded tempting but we were all too full.

Nadia visited Brigantes on Thursday, March 23 Brigantes Bar and Brasseries at 114 Micklegate, York Tel: 01904 675355 Food: Quality Service: Friendly Value: Fair Ambience: Relaxing Disabled access: Yes