VICTOR J's caf-car in Finkle Street, York, is closed - but it is nothing to do with the angry and swollen Ouse. More to do with fact that owners Victoria Frame and Jennifer Osborne thought it was time for a refurb.

Although major changes are expected to take place, the bar is shut for a while for a major overhaul and repainting job.

"It is time for a change," said the heavily-pregnant Jennifer.

"Victor J's needs sprucing up a little and we hope to return to normal service in more convivial surroundings soon."

u YORK City Screen has launched a major new menu in its riverside members-and-ticket-holders-only bar.

Unfortunately they are still closed but when they re-open you can expect the chance to drink in surroundings which staff are keen to point out differ enormously from their neighbours at Bar 38 and Pitcher & Piano.

So when the river returns to the river look forward to better food and still great booze on the comfortable padded bar at the new cinema complex.

u AND talking of Bar 38, licensee Nickki, has had a week of "heart-break" as her new £1m bar has been shut due to flooding.

Drinking in rival Ha Ha Bar and Canteen, she told the ever story hungry Bar Talk reporter that it would be "like the opening all over again" when the waters finally subside.

"I'm getting bored," she said, "I just want to get open again and there might be a little treat for our customers when we do."

u THE Carlton Tavern, Acomb Road, has reached the final round of judging in the Best Kept Cellar Competition for the Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries.

The annual competition was launched ten years ago to reward licensees that take extra care over the cleanliness and efficiency of their beer cellars.

The winners will be announced at the end of November.

Boss David Funnell, said: "We always do our best to serve our customers a great pint, so it's a real compliment to get this sort of recognition."

u FLOODS winners: One to benefit from the floods is Kennedy's Caf-bar on both Stonegate and Little Stonegate which has been "extremely busy" recently.

The wet weather hasn't kept punters away, and as the bar approaches two months of being open, it has become established in York with a "big set" of regulars and familiar faces.

Owner Karen admits to being a little "jittery" when she first went from management to ownership, but now feels she has been vindicated in her decision.

A free bottle of house wine with two main courses, a wine of the month and a new, speedy lunchtime menu have all contributed to the bar's recent success.

u FLOODS losers: For all those landlords who have been adversely affected by the floods, Bar Talk is here to help.

In order to keep your customers informed of re-openings and the like, please, please contact us and let us know what is happening so we can pass it on to the wider public.

As an avid supporter of all pubs in the area, and even some wine bars too, we are happy to let people know of your flood woes and when you will be able to once again return to business.

Don't worry, it won't even cost you a pint (although that is, of course, up to you).

After all you flooded landlords have been through, the least we, at Bar Talk, can do is give you a bit of plug.

It won't get you your lost earnings back, but you can't beat a bit of free publicity in the best-read beer column in York.

Call Dan Beergustein on 01904 653051 ex 304 or e-mail dan.rutstein@ycp.co.uk.

We are on your side.

Dan Beergutstein