IT'S no trick of the imagination at Trickster's Lane Restaurant in York.

Its chefs really do cook in an open kitchen in full view of diners - and what fine cooking you see is what you get.

There are other obvious signs of quality, like the dcor, with its saucy murals of ladies of the night, which allude to Victorian days when this part of Fossgate was infamous for its gatherings of the oldest profession.

It was part of a major facelift ordered by new owners Stuart and Norma Hall which helped to boost turnover from £360,000 to £430,000 and put the restaurant in the running for Small Business of the Year in the 2004 Evening Press Business Awards.

The success was also due to shortening the high-quality menu - daily sourcing the best seasonal local fish, vegetables, meat and game - reviewing prices, quickening service and reconstructing the wine list.

Stuart and Norma Hall have another trick up their sleeve. In May last year they bought the Blue Minelle opposite Trickster's Lane when it went into receivership along with its parent company, The Blue Bicycle.

At that time The Blue Minelle traded as an art gallery and gift shop with offerings of coffee and cakes.

The Halls turned it into the Mediterranean-style Mason's Bistro Bar which is now on target for an annual income of £290,000, and submitted it for the New Business of the Year category of the 2004 Evening Press Business Awards.

The name was derived from the history of the premises - the building was once George Mason's high-quality grocer and the stained glass windows still sport the shop's original GM logo. Also on show is the missive found behind the modern dcor: "Specialists in provisions. Expert Tea Blenders. We guarantee the quality of our goods."

Updated: 11:53 Thursday, September 23, 2004