CLUBS: CLUB OF THE WEEK; ESCAPE @ club escape

Club promoters would have you believe that their latest gig is the best thing since sliced bread - of course the truth is that there are not too many differences between the thousands of clubs pumping out house music across the UK.

Modern clubbing may be too formulaic but hey, if it ain't broke... Escape in Swansea offers a prime example of a club that doesn't offer anything particularly spectacular but makes a point of giving punters what they want - namely great music, a pleasant enough venue and a pulsating atmosphere.

The music in the main room is deep and trancey which keeps up to a thousand revellers glued to the dancefloor.

The second room churns out uplifting house and garage and for some reason seems to attract large groups of beautiful girls - possibly trying to escape the sweaty boys next door.

The usual suspects of "big name" spinners make their way down to Cymru for this gig but it's residents, Danny Slade and Big Al, who really know how to move this crowd.

Northampton Lane, Swansea (01792 652854) tonight 10pm-4am, pounds 8-pounds 10

THE BEST OF THE REST

RENAISSANCE @ the cross

The original innovators of clubbing chic return to the Cross offering their unique brand of stunning aesthetics, banging tunes and Northern charm. Over the years Renaissance have provided a platform for dozens of great DJs (including Sasha), but their major talent lies in knowing how to transform a club night into an event of glittering escapism. If you haven't been to the Cross before then you couldn't pick a better night. Nigel Dawson headlines tonight, playing deep house.

Goods Way Depot, London N1 (0171-837 0828) tonight 10.30pm-6am, pounds 15.

GATECRASHER @ the republic

Gatecrasher do everything with unmatched style. With two new bars, refurbished toilets, lounge and dining areas, luxurious seating and new sound system, a lot has changed since last year, but the Republic still maintains its industrial feel. The crowd here breathe new life into the tired, "electric atmosphere" catchphrase, and with residents of the calibre of Judge Jules, Scott Bond and Matt Hardwick you can be sure to hear the best house music courtesy of the best spinners.

112 Arundel Street, Sheffield (0114 249 2210) tonight 9pm-6am, pounds 13.50. www.gatecrasher.co.uk