Alex Lloyd has news of a new look for a favourite York nightspot.

TONIGHT (19th) sees the re-launch of Rougier Street party venue McMillans, complete with a chic £500,000 new look.

One of the city's original 'one-stop' nightspots, McMillans was created in 1990 out of a run-down biker pub by York entrepreneurs Russ Brown and Nip Judson, who also own Nexus.

While the venue's lively approach to a night out remains firmly in place, the new look McMillans feels more up-to-date, extends over two floors and is now open throughout the day. My spies tell me that night owls can enjoy a more spacious bar area and larger dance floor, as well as comfy seating if you want to chill-out.

At the heart of the makeover is a huge projection screen shutter, which will be pulled away at night to reveal the dancefloor.

By day, it will provide a window on the world, taking customers to exotic locations using the latest video technology.

McMillans venue manager Allan Coleman says: "Our aim is to encourage people into our new style of venue earlier in the night, while entertaining them in the way McMillans always has.

"We want to create an environment where our customers can enjoy their usual drink, but within a venue where they can let their hair down, lose some of their inhibitions, have a laugh and dance with their friends."

McMillans 'Premiere Weekend' begins at 7pm tonight with a glittering VIP party, before opening to the public at 9pm. On Saturday, there will be a 'priority pass' event from 7pm-9pm, before general opening.

The weekend promises beauty treatments, competitions and a few surprises, plus a host of prizes, including a new Mini Cooper S worth £15,000 courtesy of Castle Mini, a trip to New York and ten flights to any destination in Europe.

And if all that weren't enough, look out for loads of new theme nights and a speed-dating event in the coming weeks.

McMillans, Rougier Street, 01904 625438, open til 1am.

NEWS

Think you've got the moves? Ikon & Diva is hosting the first York Disco Dance Idol, with the chance to win a motorised scooter and portable DVD player.

There will be a chart and pop heat on next Friday, with funk and R&B on the Saturday. The winners of each will battle it out in the following Saturday's heat.

To take part, ring 01904 693999 for an entry form, collect one from the club or log on to www.ikondiva.co.uk. You must be over 18.

Updated: 09:03 Friday, March 19, 2004