IT seems like only yesterday when the Pitcher & Piano pitched up at the old Evening Press building in Coney Street, York. In fact, it was December 1999.

That was the year when York's boozing world was transformed. Thanks to the licensing protocol - a slim document drawn up by the police and city council to regulate the development of York's pubs and bars - we saw the arrival of Kite's, Victor J's and the Pitcher & Piano.

But six years is a long time in a bar's life. The chrome becomes tarnished, the wooden floor scuffed.

So the Pitcher has had the decorators in.

And it flings open its newly-polished doors "with a glittering launch party" on Thursday, then open to the public on Friday.

So what can regulars expect? The bar "will retain its period features," we are told.

"The original brick work will be exposed in the older areas of the building, while a mirrored back bar, steel staircase and disco ball above the dance floor will add a more contemporary look.

"Intimate seating and individual booths give drinkers and diners more privacy."

Says P&P MD Mike Dowell: "Every bar we refurbish has its own unique style which suits its location and customers and York is no exception."

ANOTHER pub chain is planning its own York celebrations.

Fake Oirish bar O'Neill's is getting all misty eyed for the Emerald Isle from Monday with its week-long Feis Ceol event (why are Celtic words so hard to pronounce, begorrah?).

Traditional Irish activities like, er, snail racing and limerick writing are on offer at the Low Ousegate hostelry.

And if you're not invited to the Pitcher's bash on Thursday, you can go to O'Neill's Black Velvet party instead.

Damian O'Kane, manager of O'Neill's, said: "We look forward to celebrating throughout the week as well as raising much-needed funds for our chosen charity, Barnardo's."

THANKS to the generosity of his regulars, Chris Jones, of the Three Cups, Stamford Bridge, was able to hand over a hefty hamper to Rachael Brayshaw of the Woodlands MS Respite Centre.

As its harvest festival contribution, the pub left the hamper on display and asked drinkers to donate what they could.

The result was a fine spread for people with multiple sclerosis and their carers who use Woodlands, and who often go to the Three Cups for a meal.

Assistant manager Deborah Hobbin said there was a real community spirit in the pub. And on December 1 she plans to put up their Christmas "giving tree". It is hung with labels naming gifts, and the regulars donate them.

There was a tremendous response last year when the Samaritans was the chosen charity.

A delegation from the pub plans to take this year's presents to Woodlands on Christmas Eve.

Updated: 16:44 Friday, November 18, 2005