AN EGYPTIAN caf owner has swapped the mystery and grandeur of his ancient homeland for the blood and thunder of the Vikings in an effort to pull in the punters.

Aziz Faid, 63, has changed the name of his caf in Stonebow from Cleopatra's to the Jorvik Cafe -skipping more than 5,000 years in the process.

The distinctive decor depicting golden pharaohs and the pyramids is giving way to pictures of marauding Norsemen, which will now adorn his caf walls.

Even the Egyptian food has been scrapped.

In recent months, York has seen a massive increase in the number of city centre cafs, causing fierce competition for customers.

"I needed to do something," Mr Faid said. "There are too many new cafs cropping up in York.

"My son suggested we change the name to Jorvik because so many people come into the caf and ask where the Viking centre is.

"My staff told me I should get a big map to direct them to it. Jorvik is a name immediately identifiable in the city. I've got no regrets so far."

Mr Faid is relieved to find the majority of his regular customers like the new look.

But those who still pined for all things Egyptian were given painted Pharaoh plates to keep as a souvenir.

"I still need something which will catch the eye as people walk past the caf," Mr Faid said. "I could do with a large Viking dummy to put near the door!"

matthew.woodcock@ycp.co.uk