HOTEL OF THE WEEK
If shopping is your thing, then there’s probably no better spot to stay than The Churchill, near London’s bustling Oxford Street.
It’s close enough to take the plunge, with Selfridges just a five-minute stroll away, yet somehow also an escape from it, lying opposite leafy Portman Square.
Marble Arch Tube is round the corner with Bond Street on the Elizabeth line close too.
Our room looking over the square was spacious and bright, with a huge bed.
We popped into the business lounge for a drink before a night on the town and reflected on the more illustrious characters who’d shared these same four walls. Barack Obama stayed in 2008 on his pre-election presidential campaign, and met Tony Blair here.
WHERE AND WHY:
ON THE MENU: The ground floor Montagu restaurant has charming and super-friendly waiting staff. I started with pan-seared scallops (£24) while my wife tucked into Cornish fish cake (£22). My rib-eye steak (£38) left me too satisfied for dessert (and barely able to walk) while on the other side of the table, the lamb rump (£32) was demolished with gusto. Breakfast is a traditional buffet featuring everything from cereals to eggs cooked to order.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Stroll along the fringe of nearby Hyde Park to Notting Hill. Portobello Road market is at the top end and if you want to eyeball how the other half live, go south to Holland Park.
The Design Museum is worth an hour poking about some of the quirky designs. Pop round the corner and take a peek at adjoining mansions owned by Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Robbie Williams.
WAKE UP CALL: A king room starts at £400 a night. hyatt.com