I WRITE in reply to the Weekender restaurant critique about The Marcia in Bishopthorpe, York (August 18).

The bar staff are friendly. They are very busy and do not have the time to be personal to everyone who comes in the pub. Two out of five for service is not very fair. The only reason they are slow is because they are extremely busy.

You state that the prices are high. Have you ever eaten there? The meals are gorgeous and are always very well proportioned.

I have never been able to pick out any problems with them.

I hope this clarifies your write-up.

E Richardson,

Boltby Road,

Clifton Moor, York.

Updated: 10:33 Wednesday, August 29, 2001