ROSEMARY COOK visits a York pub for some no-frills budget fare

WHETHER or not you like The Micklegate will very much depend on what you are after when eating out.

There's no candlelight, soft music or romantic atmosphere but there is no way you will leave feeling hungry and it definitely won't break the bank.

We visited the pub-cum-restaurant on a Friday evening and it was fairly full with students, the odd tourist as well as regulars.

What I liked about the place was it didn't pretend to be anything other than it was: a pub that also provided a bit of grub too. Everything was very basic and even the menus were on bits of paper attached to clip boards.

We ordered a starter of nachos to share (£2.25) and I had barely returned from ordering at the bar before it had arrived.

It wasn't the best portion of nachos I'd ever had, we got the feeling it had been somewhat thrown together, but it wasn't bad and the portion size was very generous.

We ordered a main course each which came at the knock-down price of £6.95 for both which is an offer on every weekday from 5pm to closing.

I went for fish and chips and my other half had a mixed grill.

Again the service was extremely quick and we just had time for a quick drink before our meals arrived.

The fish and chips were up to standard but the fish had skin on, which I don't like, and the chips were a little overcooked.

Also, the portion was absolutely enormous and although most people would welcome that, I did find it a bit overwhelming as I was only able to eat half of what was on my plate.

The mixed grill unusually came with chicken rather than lamb which was a bit dry but was reasonable for what we were paying and again there was plenty on the plate.

The choice of puddings was limited to either spotted dick and custard or vanilla ice cream.

I had the former which turned out to be very nice.

Throughout the meal we were treated to a varied array of music which fitted in with the friendly atmosphere of the pub.

And we didn't feel we had stepped into student-only territory as there was a good mix of people eating and drinking.

There are very few ways I can criticise the Micklegate, the service was quick, the staff were helpful and friendly and the value was outstanding.

The food was not fantastic but was up to a reasonable standard.

Our total bill, which included one large starter, two main meals, a pudding, two lemonades and two fruit juices, came to a mere £16.70 which I think would be very hard to beat.

Other offers available include a Micklegate lunch - any main meal and a pint of beer or glass of wine for £5.

It is a great place for anyone wanting a home-cooked meal at a knock-down price or if you fancy having a bite to eat while watching a spot of sport.

It's not a place to go if you want something a bit special, but if you fancy something cheap, quick and filling you really can't go wrong.

Food: good

Service: excellent

Value: excellent

Ambience: good

Disabled facilities: No

The Micklegate, 129 Micklegate, York. Telephone: 01904 624478

Rosemary visited on Friday, March 14.

Updated: 08:52 Saturday, April 12, 2003