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EN POINTE is one of York’s most popular and well-regarded dance schools, and it’s moving to its own purpose-built studios in Nether Poppleton in January. There’ll be sprung dance floors, mirrors, barres, kitchen area and plenty of parking. With classes six days a week for children aged from a year upwards (including adults), there’s something for everyone. For more details visit enpointeyork.co.uk THE MYSTERY PLAYS run for 5 weeks from 26th May to 30th June 2016 and for just the second time in their 700 year history they’ll take place in York Minster. Hundreds of community performers will work with one professional actor to create an amazing performance celebrating York’s cultural heritage. Tickets go on sale in January through the York Theatre Royal box office.

RUBGYTOTS is a great active class for kids aged 2-7. Sessions run at All Saints RC School (Saturdays), Copmanthorpe Recreation Centre (Wednesdays), Haxby Memorial Hall (Fridays), Joseph Rowntree School (Saturdays), The Mount School (Sundays), Heworth Church Hall (Mondays). They’ll also be running at Fulford School from spring 2016. Visit rugbytots.co.uk for more information.

Tuesday 23 February Saturday 5 March

BOXOFFICE01904 623568 yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Date night dinner The Rattle Owl

If one of your new year’s resolutions is to have more time as a couple, we hear you. As lovely as it (usually) is to go out as a family, there’s a lot to be said for being child-free once in a while. New for 2016, we’ll be bringing you some date night inspiration: places to go and things to do in York on those rare nights off.

First up, a recommendation for The Rattle Owl (104 Micklegate, York; www.rattleowl.co.uk) where we celebrated that we’re still speaking to each other after 11 years of marriage. This gorgeous independent restaurant is a perfect date night destination, with twinkling lights and an intimate, beautifully designed dining room. The menu focuses on seasonal, local produce and you know you can’t go wrong with the wine list as it’s all been hand-picked with care. The vegetarian dishes were outstanding, and the carnivore half of the couple was very happy too. It was one of the best meals we’ve had for ages, and not just because we were able to talk without being constantly interrupted.

Can’t get a babysitter? Ever-popular bistro, Café No 8, has launched a new Café No. 8 At Home range so that you can enjoy their delicious dishes in your own kitchen from £15 per person for 3 courses. Design a bespoke menu from a selection of seasonal dishes, collect from one of the delivery points and follow the simple instructions to create a restaurant experience at home without worrying about what you’re going to wear. Sounds delicious. For more details, visit cafeno8.co.uk/at-home

Little Vikings Cook Cheese soda bread scones

These savoury scones are a doddle to knock together. Our little Vikings love making and eating them. Best warm from the oven with a bowl of soup. Customise as you like, depending on how adventurous you’re all feeling. Makes 6.

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees C and grease a baking tray. 2. Mix all the ingredients except a handful of the cheese in a large bowl until it forms a dough. Save your wrists and use a food mixer if you have one. 3. Knead gently for a minute on a lightly floured surface, then divide the dough into six balls (more if you’d like them to be smaller). 4. Brush tops with a little oil then scatter cheese. 5. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they’re golden and cooked through. 6. Cool a little then dig in.

This recipe is from Eat Vegetarian by Sam Stern, proud Yorkshireman and author of seven cookbooks (samstern.co.uk). Ingredients

110g plain bread flour 110g wholemeal bread flour

½ tsp flour 1sp bicarbonate of soda

1tsp cream of tartar 110g cheddar (grated) 150ml milk

Optional extras: 1/2tsp English mustard, pinch chilli, chopped black olives, chopped sundried tomatoes