The Biltmore, York

If this is the best of the bars around here I fear for the future of the whole area. This is the sister bar to Oscars next door and really thinks it's the bees knees. In reality it's an overpriced wannabee wine bar with a short and uninteresting wine list with no tasting notes. Little in the way of beer although there was a Coors pump. It's not for us and we won't be calling in again.

Probably the best of the upmarket bars in the Swingate Quarter of the town. There is always a good feel at weekends to this place, populated with what passes as the pretty people and the bar menu is extensive, the glasses are always immaculately chilled, as are the bottles of beer from 6 vast fridges and the staff are nearly always obliging and friendly. The music choices are eclectic and not always in tune with the clientele but this is getting better with Soul and Motown classics keeping people happy until 2am on weekends. All in all - they are heading in the right direction but need to watch their backs with Kennedy's and Esperanza nearby looking to up the ante in the coming months. The food at the sister bar next door Oscars is probably the best value in York - decent portions of well cooked Tex Mex orientated fare - its usually very busy though throughout the day so get there early...