London's Living Room

To the rather unsuitably monickered 'London City Hall' on the South Bank of the Thames last night for a debate and reception on CSR and communications, or rather, advertising.

However unsuitable the building's name, I cannot but delight in the top-floor venue with views across London and in particular its familiar and comfortable name. My only quibble is that for the most part your view is of South London, which is all very well (I do live in south London) but surely the views ought to have been of the Thames and the verve of the north bank.

I had a similar experience at New York's Rainbow Room atop the Rockefeller Center. For a luxurious surrounding (one fashionable companion had to dash back to his apartment to switch out of jeans), a fine martini and spectacular views it is hard to beat. However, once again, you look the wrong direction (this time north). Otherwise, I would recommend it over the Empire State Building any day - no entrance fee, fewer crowds and no wait.

For the Greater London Authority to make the most of the views and the title, I think a martini bar ought to be installed in the Living Room. That'll make me vote for Ken* in May.

*Livingstone, London Mayor