Places: Jerusalem

"HERE is a place of peace where tensions can be forgotten and cultural unity can be fostered and developed," announces the press release for this stylish bar in London's trendy Noho (it's a quote from Lord Allenby on the opening of a YMCA in Jerusalem the city, apparantly). However the only rising tensions to escape when I went were generated by those in the queue who weren't on the guest list. Once inside you enter a subterranean grotto of banquet style wooden tables and acres of deep red velvet. The atmosphere is unpretentious, a rare accolade in such cool surroundings. So beer and beauty is an attainable mix...

Jerusalem, 33-34 Rathbone Place, London W1, 0171 255 1120