Parties: the good, bad, and the ugly

Obiter has been sampling the range of seasonal summer parties on offer around the City.

Here are some thoughts so far:Wednesday 19 June:Location: Norton Rose's energy and construction bash at Merchant Taylor's Hall, which is a swanky spot.Food and Drink: 8 out of 10.

Excellent food, but no champagne.People: A very legal crowd.

Aspiring Norton Rose lawyers should note that facial hair appears to be no bar to advancement at this retro firm.Location: Richards Butler/Barnardo's charity abseil.

The atrium of RB's building may be 'to die for' eighties, but the outside looks more like the kind of place people jump off without attaching themselves to ropes beforehand.Food and drink: 7/10.

White winePeople: Top marks to RB for pulling in Penny from 'Big Brother', last year's winner Craig, and a pair from 'Hollyoaks', plus some lively lawyers.Thursday 20 JuneLocation: Upstairs at Denton Wilde Sapte's energy group's 'Sights and Sounds of Cuba' bash.

If that's what Cuba looks and sounds like, stick to Cleethorpes this year.

However, the view - if not earthy old Havana - still afforded superb vistas of the Old Bailey.Food and drink: 8/10.

Cuba Libres and quality chocolates - good effort, still no champagne.