There are two bars that I covet above all others, even though I've never stepped foot in either (one's in L.A., the other in Tokyo). In fact, that's probably why I still love them. For, as cinematic blockbusters, blind dates, and celebrities all know, hype can be a b*tch to live up to.

Which is something that the bar in Tokyo, for example, knows only too well. Located in a non-descript office block, on the thirty-somethingth floor, through an unmarked door, it's a hype-free, semi-secret, non-members cocktail bar for a mere 20-30 patrons.

Now for some reason, we find City bars curiously tough to pull off (the coolest is probably Paramount; but that's more West End). And New York seems to manage high-concept speakeasies so much better than us (PDT, Death & Co., Employees Only, Sasha Petraske's original Milk & Honey).

TODAY'S EVENT PICKS

Strip off your inhibitions at Striplite''s Original Sin. 9pm, London Stone, 109 Cannon St, EC4N. £4.

Man-animal-machine hybrids at Kinetica dare you. 8pm, P3, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Rd, NW1.

Two artists collaborate in a non collaborative way. 10:30am-7pm, Tenderpixel gallery, 10 Cecil Ct, WC2 Free.

A Miracle brings a better life to the countryside. 7pm, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Sq, SW1W . £15.