The Roxy's cold front

'Decadent yet edgy' was the promised vibe of The Roxy, the new off-Oxford Street bar which has replaced The Office, next door to the excellent Eagle Bar Diner. And in the dim lighting of this basement spot, the leather banquettes, chesterfields and blood-red and muralled walls certainly looked enticing.

Date was particularly enamoured with the funky chandeliers over the bar, which had been modernised with black shades - and the rather attractive barman. But when we ventured over to said banquettes, we discovered an Arctic draught of air conditioning - and not even free tapas of almonds and mini salamis could warm us up.

So it was back to the bar, leaving after-work girly posses to cope with the big freeze, while we worked our way through the short but sweet cocktail menu.

Apple cosmos and lime caipirinhas were winning until we discovered the delights of the apricot mimosa. With that and some old soul and rare groove from the DJ, we were lulled into a sense that we might even stay until the 3am closing.

Then the clock struck 10pm and we noticed a distinctly grungy transformation taking place: 'alternatively' dressed rockers and groaning guitar rock suddenly appearing out of nowhere. With our Cinderella now looking distinctly pumpkin-like, we beat a retreat, but such generous opening hours will no doubt draw us back at some stage.

3-5 Rathbone Place W1. Tel: 020 7255 1098. Tube: Tottenham Court Road

Office Bar
3-5 Rathbone Place, W1P 1DA