Londoners generally have a love/hate appreciation of this intimidating piece of 1960s architecture, finding it a useful reference point when lost in a sea of shoppers whilst admitting it is yet another eyesore bestowed upon post-war Britain by the decade that gave us The Beatles, flower power and lots of concrete.

Yet a saving grace is to be established in the building's very foundations. Once a lonely outlet of NatWest bank, the ground floor was converted into a bar called Point 101. Unfortunately this was like going for a drink in Ikea except with more chairs. Now thankfully its makeover as 101 sees much needed warmth added in the form of colossal doughnut-shaped sofas and the sparkle of chandeliers.

A cutting-edge cocktail menu and music programme give this venue the edge for those on a mission to party. What's more it won't cost you anything to get in and you have no excuse for not finding it. And there's nothing else around (don't even think about Rouge), so it makes it an easy choice.

Can't help thinking they could have called the bar in this tower 'Infernos' though. Just a thought.

101, 101 New Oxford St, WC1 - 020 7379 3112
5pm-2am Sundays-Thursdays, till 2:30am Fri & Sat

RW