It now competes with the Gherkin, Shaft and in the coming years with the Cheese Grater and the Walkie Talkie. However despite its strange descriptions One Lime Street has been voted London’s favourite 1980s building.

In a survey comparing Lloyd’s to other buildings from the 1980s, the iconic inside out building that is the landmark for reinsurance in the centre of the City topped the poll beating 1 London Bridge, Broadgate, MI6 and Tower 42.

Nearly 40% of respondents named the external lifts as their favourite feature, the first of their kind in the UK, closely followed by the exposed pipes and ducts.

Opened by Her Majesty The Queen in November 1986, the building celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The architects, Richard Rogers & Partners, designed the building with all the facilities on the outside in order to maximise the internal space and make it flexible to expand with the Lloyd’s market.

Its architect, Lord Richard Rogers said: “The design of Lloyd’s was inspired by the requirements of the client and the surrounding fabric of the City of London. We created a building that could be enjoyed both by passers-by and the people working inside. It is beautifully detailed, rather like a Swiss watch.”

Lloyd’s Chief Executive Richard Ward said: “This building is fantastic. It’s known around the world and is truly iconic. There are many wonderful parts to it both inside and out but one of the best features is the external lifts which make you feel totally exposed and connected to the elements. The building is 25 years old this year and is still modern, innovative and unique – it has really stood the test of time and will continue to do so no matter how many new buildings rise around it.”

The general public will get their chance to see the inside for themselves this month when the market opens its doors on 17 September for its annual Open House weekend.