Alex Lloyd reports on a make-over for a long-standing York club.

IF THE name Toffs conjures up images of sticky carpets and dodgy dcor, then you are in for a big shock.

The Toft Green club is unveiling a sleek new look at a VIP party tonight in a bid to become "the party destination of York".

The £500,000 facelift includes a new state-of-the-art sound system and lighting, comfy leather seating, a dramatically restyled Room 2 and new carpets throughout.

It's the first time the club has been freshened up in more than eight years and it looks clean, bright and truly up to date.

Manager Nick Westwell, who recently moved to Toffs from Majestyks and Jumpin' Jaks in Leeds, says they are hoping to appeal in particular to the more mature market, which is largely ignored by York's nightscene.

Mondays will return to a strictly over-25s night, with chart and party in the Main Room, and soul and R'n'B in Room 2.

The popular student-only nights on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the mix of chart, indie and live entertainment on Thursday, will continue as before. But there are many exciting new features for Friday, with the chance to win drinks offers for the crowd three times during the evening by playing Minster FM's Connect 3 game.

The first Friday of each month will a 999 Party Night, with free entry for emergency service staff before 11pm.

"Everything is completely new," says Nick. "We have a few new DJs, including Karl Keane, whom I have persuaded to come back from a residency in Portugal. He's going to be fantastic."

Clubbers planning to visit Toffs can take advantage of a new system which allows people to request songs or shout-outs online before they head down, in keeping with their "your club, your party" motto.

"We can't guarantee anything but we will try our best," says Nick.

More good news for York's clubbers is that a night out at Toffs is better value for money, with new competitive prices across the board.

There will new membership and VIP cards so existing holders will need to reapply. You can do so in person or on the redesigned website.

Toffs, 3-5 Toft Green, 01904 620203, www.toffsnightclub.co.uk

Opening hours: Mon, Thurs, Fri-Sat 10pm-2am (Tues & Weds 10pm-2am students only, in term time).

Updated: 15:36 Thursday, June 17, 2004