The Bar/Lounge at Threadneedles, Autograph Collection

"Recession? When it comes to hotel openings and revamps in London, the question appears to be, "what recession?" Barely a month goes by without a new boutique hotel or a multi-millio"

"Bottles of champagne wrapped in gold wire wind up the walls in a space where guests can drink at the Honesty Bar; you can help yourself, as long as you're honest and swipe your room card for direct billing"

"At Bonds Restaurant, chef Barry Tonks sources local produce for a modern French menu"

"Head over to Old Spitalfields Market, a mere 10 minutes away on foot, for some bargain fashion buys, or walk across the Millennium Bridge to Borough Market for produce, flowers, vintage gifts, and great people watching"

"A converted bank, dating from 1856, with a stunning stained-glass cupola in the lounge"

"A converted Victorian banking hall in the City houses this Marriott-affiliated boutique business hotel, which shows off the grandeur of its setting in spaces like the champagne lounge, set beneath the original stained-glass dome of the ornate lobby, and the restaurant, serving Modern British fare against a backdrop of walnut-panelled walls and windows with wrought-iron detailing"

"Head over to Old Spitalfields Market, a mere 10 minutes away on foot, for some bargain fashion buys, or walk across the Millennium Bridge to Borough Market for produce, flowers, vintage gifts, and great people watching"