Two bars are about to reveal their revamped images, says Alex Lloyd.
YOU can't switch on the television these days without encountering a glut of programmes dedicated to makeovers and now it seems the nightspots of York are following a similar trend.
The latest venue to don a new look is Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen, which reopens on Monday following a week-long refit.
When the chill-out chain came to the city four years ago, it was one of the original caf-bar style venues offering relaxed surroundings, great food and a wide selection of drinks aimed at an older, more sophisticated market.
With their restaurant business booming, the new look will see Ha! Ha! divided into clearer bar and dining areas. There will be plenty of comfy seating and a colour scheme of pale pinks and blues.
The large glass windows at the front are also being replaced so that they can open up to give drinkers a new open-air experience in good weather.
VIPs can enjoy their first glimpse of the new bar at a special event on Monday and there will be party night next Friday so that everyone can enjoy the new surroundings.
Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen, New Street (off Coney Street and Davygate), 01904 655868.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-10.30pm.
FOR those of you who like things a little more upbeat, and don't mind travelling outside the city walls, Harrogate's Po Na Na will also be unveiling a re-style this week.
The Balinese-style club has been redesigned with the object of attracting the best acts on offer to the town and now boasts a stage for live music, a new DJ booth and sound system, plus new bar, dance floor and seating areas.
Accompanying the fresh look will be two new nights to broaden the club's musical spectrum.
Tuesdays become the home of rock 'n' roll disco Fuzzy Logic, which has been rocking the indie kids of Leeds on Thursdays at Think Tank for a while now.
Expect everything from the New Rock Revolution contenders to bratty New-Wave, from Madchester to Britpop via New York cool. The Stone Roses, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Blondie and White Stripes will all be in there, alongside live bands and album launches.
For those of you who like your nights out a little less raucous, Manchester-based funk, Motown and Sixtie's beat night Move On Up comes to Wednesdays.
Both new nights cost £3 on the door and will be open from 10pm to 2am. Fridays and Saturdays remain dedicated to a mix of R 'n' B, house hip hop and garage, from a rotating selection of the north's best DJs.
The new club will be unveiled on Thursday with a live set from human beatbox Killa Kela and the party continues on Saturday, April 10, with Radio One's Yousef.
Po Na Na, King's Road, Harrogate, 01423 509758.
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 10pm-2am.
Updated: 09:29 Friday, April 02, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article