Down Under
Partying in the W’s Basement

A Clockwork Orange.

Picture it. That searing scene in the milk bar, camera pulling back to reveal dramatic lighting against contrasts of white and black, some color thrown in as you absorb the surrounding lounge-den.

Now picture that, but with modern design and underneath the W hotel downtown.

Take your first look at Descent, the W’s long-awaited and slender subterranean lounge, accepting reservations now for private parties and slated to open later this month.

This is the sort of spot you’ll want to secure for your better half’s sexy, over-the-top birthday party (this year’s theme: Ziggy Stardust).

You’ll reserve the space, materialize with your crew and start with some bubbly at the 40-foot bar (feel free to congratulate the head mixologist for being named UK Bartender of the Year... in 2004). Then, you’ll make your way to the pewter banquettes in the back.

From here you can fill in the blanks. You’ll dance, watch the occasional swaying miniskirt and let the DJ in the red booth overlooking the floor take you, your friends and your cocktailing where he/she will.

Which probably means to a late-night Chinese food spot.