Radius pumps at full volume

The late, unlamented Break For The Border has morphed into Radius, thanks to a refurbishment that's replaced tatty Mexicana with modish leather sofas, designer bar stools and generic, back-lit, rock'n'roll photographs.

It's a commendable facelift, and one which squeezes in a bar, lounge area, mini restaurant and stage/dance floor without making the place feel claustrophobic. It's a shame the menu wasn't given an overhaul to match, though: food is still of the fajitas-and-chips variety, with the tuna steaks in chili and lemon proving a tasty alternative at £7.50, while the cocktails are reasonably priced if unexceptional.

Radius's major weakness, though - if it wants to be perceived as a style bar rather than a third-rate gig venue - is its music policy. Our Thursday night visit incurred a £5 entrance charge as three bands were playing. The first, a bunch of indie no-hopers, provided an earsplitting accompaniment to our nachos, while the second, fronted by an alarming Heather Small sound-a-like, were blasted through the PAat a ludicrously loud volume, crushing conversation and prompting us to beat a retreat before the third lot came on. Full marks for the redesign and friendly, prompt service, then; shame about the bottomofthe-barrel bands that imbue this would-be destination bar with all the ambience of a student union.

Goslett Yard WC2. Tel: 020 7437 8595. Tube: Tottenham Court Road