21 FEBRUARY 1998, Page 23

Theme and variation

HERE COMES a splendid addition to the Square Theme Park, formerly known as the City of London. Barclays had a hideous grey tower block on the corner of Fen- church Street, across the road from its bul- bous head office and in full view of its directors. They have had it pulled down, and I must say the gap it leaves is most refreshing. Now I learn that Marks & Spencer has bought the site and is putting up a nice new store, so that the directors of Barclays can send out for socks and fish- cakes. Indeed, if M&S runs short of space, they should encourage it to move across the road and pull down the head office.