HAVING heard the Continental caf culture was thriving in York, my family and I went for a spot of lunch to the Tasting Room off Swinegate in York. Unfortunately, we were refused entry.

No, not because of some Ascot week dress standard but the fact we had our delightful (we are biased) 18- month-old son with us.

The proprietor wrung his hands and mumbled "pushchair". It is the smallest pushchair on the market and folds up small specifically for aeroplane travel.

I applaud the improved quality in York restaurants but they seemed to have missed the point that what makes those Continental establishments charming is their family- friendly approach.

How can children learn how to behave in restaurants if they are not allowed to enter? You are probably thinking the Tasting Room was overflowing with customers but there were only two other diners.

Maybe everyone else who tried to have lunch there had a child or knows something about the food... we don't?

David Gibson,

Huntington Road,

York.

Updated: 10:41 Saturday, June 18, 2005