IF books play a bigger part in your life than as props for wonky tables, a means of murdering insects or a useful storage space for old receipts, then a literary evening at one of York's more versatile pubs could be right up your alley.

The Three-Legged Mare is hosting the launch of a literature and arts magazine created by talented regular Cherie Federico and featuring the work of a few dozen of the city's more thoughtful souls.

More than 50 people are expected to pack the High Petergate pub for the evening which will include readings, acoustic music, food and the chance to sink a few jars while engaging in something cultural.

Contemporary literature student Cherie has been working on the first edition of the magazine for months and says it has a rare blend of poetry and prose.

"There's something that will appeal to everyone in the magazine because the contributors come from all ages and backgrounds. It's very accessible and not snobbish at all," she says.

Pub deputy Heidi Watkinson says the bookish event is a first for the pub but hopes that there won't be "too many long words" for staff - and beer-sodden customers - to try to get their heads around.

"We know it's quite unusual but people know us well now and we like to have different things, even the high-brow stuff," she says.

During the past year the Wonky Donkey has set up a temporary sex shop in the back room, hosted dozens of bands from folk to fusion and is now planning a pat and wine night for fans of delicatessen food.

The magazine, Aesthetica: A Review Of Contemporary Artists, will be on sale for the price of two pints of Terrier (£4) during Tuesday night's event, which begins at 7.30pm and is free.

A POCKETFUL of spuds, startled leprechaun, or fistful of clover could bag you a free pint of Guinness at the Three Cups on Monday.

Inventive staff at the Stamford Bridge pub and restaurant are offering a glass of the black stuff to customers who bring "something Irish" with them on St Patrick's Day.

And Bar Talk has found out that while wearing your shirt backwards doesn't count as suitably Irish, bringing a friend from the Emerald Isle qualifies you for a pint each.

Even for those who fail to find some Punts down the back of the sofa, or for that matter an empty bottle of Jameson's whiskey, there's free beer for sharp-eyed drinkers.

A number of lucky shamrocks will be hidden around the premises which can be exchanged for Dublin's most famous product.

Deborah Hobbin, chief of novelty ideas at the pub, said Guinness was a "forgotten drink" for some people. She's obviously never met any reporters from the Evening Press.

She said: "Our regulars think we are all mad. Whenever a special day comes round they raise their eyebrows and wonder whatever is next."

The Three Cups has already distinguished itself by probably being the first pub in East Yorkshire to give out free bay leaves on St Valentine's Day to romancing couples.

According to folklore, people who leave a bay leaf under their pillow will be lucky in love. But Deborah said the case remained unproven.

She added: "We are a traditional place and like to celebrate such occasions. We're still open for suggestions for St George's Day." Free beer for anyone accompanied by a dragon perhaps?

YORK City fanatic Paul Worthington has been lured away from the fans' favourite pub - to take charge of an official Manchester United boozer. Paul recently transferred from the Bootham Tavern to the Northern Wall, to try to convert its Red Devil-loving regulars to the Minstermen.

"I'm managing to get rid of the Man Utd fans," he joked.

"When they wind me up I remind them of the Old Trafford massacre when we beat them 3-0!

"I've made a City shrine at the back of the bar."

The Wall is part of the Exhibition Hotel Group, which also owns the Tavern.

Updated: 08:04 Saturday, March 15, 2003