WHEN two young Glaswegian girls open a bright yellow caf in the middle of York, you know it has to be something special.

And Victor J's on Finkle Street retains a unique position among York's myriad pubs and restaurants. The two young owners, Jennifer Osborne and Victoria Frame, wanted to run "something a little bit different", and they look to have managed it.

While York is filling with chains of coffee shops, Victor J's continues to expand with its mix of regulars and tourists.

"We are trying to maintain our independence," says Vicky, 23, a former arts student and co-painter of the caf's bright walls.

"It is hard work, but York is getting busier and we are getting busier."

That hard work has eased off somewhat, the 12-hour days seem to be over as the two girls have taken on about a dozen staff to ease the burden of providing speciality coffees and heart-sized meals to the masses.

With turnover pushing £250,000, the girls are not prepared to relax with plans for their next project dominating their thoughts.

Not content with one busy city centre arts caf bar, the girls, both students at the time of the company's formation three years ago, are looking for a second premises.

A few local enquiries have been made, but a suitable venue has not yet arisen - but it is only a matter of time.

"We are very proud of the concept," continues Vicky. "We are trying to stand out in a city filling with chains."

The business has gained new impetus over recent months with the sisters returning from very different periods off work.

With the initial struggle over, there was an opportunity for Jenny to have a baby and Vicky to have a five month South American vacation.

With Jenny's husband Andy working hard with the girls, real progress is being made.

Poetry nights, live music and even the occasional wine-tasting are keeping things interesting for owners and regulars alike.

Much of their success has come from their ability to cater for the needs of their clients:

draught beer, a specials board, outside seating, they built it. Somebody even wanted painted drainpipes and they even got that.

Their flexibility sets them apart from their 'tied' rivals - and they hope to continue that even when they become a mini-chain themselves.

PICTURE: Jenifer Osborne (left) and Victoria Frame, owners of Victor J's Bar in York