BAR TALK today salutes the efforts of landlord Paul Harris who has worked miracles on The Acomb Pub, in Kingsway West.

In less than two years, the 36-year-old father-of-five has transformed what was one of York's most notorious watering holes into a shiny, sports-oriented oasis - with free pool.

But the miracle has not come cheap because Paul, a former joiner, has ploughed almost £28,000 of his own cash into the premises and done the lion's share of the improvement work himself.

He says it has been worth it because takings are now almost triple what they were when he took over.

The revamp has included a complete refurbishment both inside and out, with new carpets, bar, pub sign, floors and his piece de resistance - the restoration of the pub's clock tower which has not ticked for 26 years.

The pub is also York's new pool mecca with six top-standard tables now installed and up to 13 teams competing on them each week, including the region's best players.

It has also become a popular venue for wedding and party functions and screens the latest top European football matches on huge screens.

"The most important thing I've done is to put in clear windows so people can look in and see people enjoying themselves," he said.

"We don't get any trouble now - I won't stand for it. Changing the reputation of the place has been my biggest challenge. We get a great atmosphere."

Bar Talk is not worthy Paul...

- FORGET 80 days - they're going around the world in 48 hours at one York boozer next week.

On Tuesday, it's all kilts and cabers at the Postern Gate, before a celebration of barbies and boomerangs on Wednesday.

Tuesday is Burns' Night, d'ye ken, and so a special dish of haggis, neeps and tatties is being served up for a Scot-friendly price of three poonds less a penny at the Piccadilly pub.

Och, and then there's cheaper whiskies (Scotch, Irish and American), not to mention a guest ale, Haggis Bash Bitter (ABV 4.5 per cent).

"We have one lad working for us who's from Glasgow, and he's very proud of his heritage," revealed duty manager Dave Herbert. "So he'll be looking to get the night off."

If he, or any other soul, crosses the Postern's threshold wearing a kilt, they can claim a free pint.

Burns' Night quickly turns into Australia Day. At the Postern, it is marked in traditional manner, with discounted Foster's and sirloin steak served with a Bundaberg Rum sauce. Sounds like a g'day.

Updated: 08:45 Saturday, January 22, 2005