clubs

The Office is an unfamiliar name in London clubland. Located just off Oxford St, the Office is the night-time alias of a wine bar generally known as Shuffles. In the words of manager, Ian Marriot, the Office is "a more acceptable name for a nightc lub than Shuffles". True, but only just. Even if choosing names is not his forte, his choice of promoters is. It's very unlikely that you can go wrong with the Double Six Club on a Wednesday night. The Double Six Club, as all of London must know by now, is thecelebrated board-games night. It's an event about which the promoters thought: "Surely no one will pay £5, mid-week, to come in to the centre of London and play Buckaroo", and were proved wrong. The success of the club means that it has been expor ted to Nottingham and Brighton, and the promoters are now scouring Blackpool for a new venue. To be sure of getting in, ring in advance and book.

Saturday night's offering, Yes Please, is London's best-kept secret. The music is on a jazz-funk tip with guest DJs such as Patrick Forge often making an appearance. The wine bar interior is well disguised by a plethora of drapes and banners. Don't be surprised to find yourself dancing around a manic live artist who sometimes turns up and paints in the middle of the dance-floor.

The Office, 3-5 Rathbone Place, W1 (071-225 1098)