YOUNG York trend setters could soon be sipping their cappuccinos and chianti - in Holgate!

The fashionable caf culture is being kickstarted in Holgate Road with the recent opening of the Get Stuffed snack bar.

Owners Rachel Goldsmith and Jackie Piercy have completely transformed former greasy spoon, the Holgate Caf, which was forced to close earlier this year when the Thrall plant shut down.

They plan to apply for a liquor licence to turn it into a trendy bistro with soft lighting, candles and romantic music during the evening.

Rachel's husband, Richard, and two friends worked round the clock to completely renovate the building, which is situated next to the Holgate Wallah take-away.

"There are a lot of young professional people living round here so there should be a lot of demand," said Rachel, who has spent the last year travelling round the world.

"We want to make it really trendy. There's not really anywhere round here where you can go for nice cup of coffee.

"The Holgate Park complex has a lot of offices, so we've introduced things like toasties, baguettes and salads to appeal to them at lunchtime."

But for those with less fashionable tastes, the caf still does massive fry-ups.

Its speciality is the "Get Stuffed sandwich" which consists of three rashers of bacon, three eggs, three sausages, tomatoes and beans.

Danny Cussons, landlord of the traditional Fox pub, which is situated opposite, has welcomed the opening.

"It can only be good for the area," he told the Evening Press.

"People will now have the best of both worlds. I wish them all the best."

Rachel said they had originally intended to turn the premises into a tanning and beauty salon.

Holgate councillor Liz Edge said the caf would be an ideal hang-out for local students and couples.

"I think it will be very good for the area,"she said.

"A lot of people don't want to walk into the city centre, so this gives them another option.

"It could also be a good evening meeting place for youngsters."

Updated: 08:47 Tuesday, March 25, 2003