Alex Lloyd admires the refurbishment of a regular York night-spot.

THE gloves are off in the battle for best night-spot in York with the reopening this weekend of a refurbished Casa.

Or rather, The Capital, as it has also picked up a new name in the tradition of many a celebrity looking for a new lease of life.

The venue's three-week makeover sees it shake off Casa's minimalist caf-bar guise, with the tables and chairs towards the front replaced by cosy leather clad booths. Gone are the cool blues in favour of warm cream, burgundy and oak.

The large patio windows over looking the Ouse remain and new heaters have been fitted above them so they can be used in slightly less hospitable conditions, during spring and autumn.

The former restaurant area to the rear of the venue has been transformed into a decadent invite-only bar, which will be open Thursday to Saturday, and available for private hire on other nights.

The dcor is a complete contrast to the old look, with many period features and a chandelier, and a full range of champagnes has been added to the menu.

Deputy manager Spencer Trigg says the new look gives the bar a bit more class.

"When we first opened about three years ago, we were the most upmarket venue in York, but so many new places have opened. We needed to reinvent ourselves to keep up. We are trying to give it a more welcoming look for residents."

But it's not a response to the arrival of the Living Room on the opposite side of the river, back in May, he stresses.

"It was planned before the Living Room arrived and, since it opened, there has been more business in this part of town."

To that end, The Capital has reintroduced the "No hen dos, no stag dos" policy it operated when Casa first opened.

And a new feature will be local DJs on weekends. Fridays and Saturdays will feature vocal, funky house, while Sundays will be strictly R 'n' B, to provide a warm-up for The Gallery's well-attended Sunday hip-hop session.

If you want to catch a glimpse of The Capital, you'll have to wait until midday on Sunday, unless you are one of the lucky people with an invite to the exclusive re-launch party tomorrow night.

The Capital, Low Ousegate, York, 01904 639971. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 12 noon-10.30pm. Food served 12 noon-10pm each day (9pm on Sundays).

Updated: 09:22 Friday, November 19, 2004