Imagined as the London pad of Churchill’s great pal, legendary host and press Baron Max Aitken, Lord Beaverbrook, this sister venture to Beaverbrook in Surrey ‘is gorgeous and theatrical', a Guide insider writes. 'It has an immediate boutique-hotel appeal,' says another, with artworks and antiques throughout. Spacious suites, referencing London theatres, ‘combine bold colours with four-poster or canopy beds, eye-catching bathrooms with bright blue and aquamarine tiles, bath and shower’. Extras include an espresso machine, complimentary minibar, Bamford toiletries, and a key to the Cadogan Gardens opposite. Sir Frank’s Bar is the place for cocktails and snacks (okra tempura, black cod temaki, chicken chive gyoza…). ‘The décor is Japanese influenced, notable in the colours, lacquered furniture and artwork, layered over Art Deco origins.’ The bar opens onto the Fuji Grill, ‘where we enjoyed fantastic (albeit very expensive) sushi, sashimi and popcorn shrimp’. If you’re browsing the shops of Chelsea, you might pop in for a sweet-and-savoury afternoon tea in the bar or alfresco, and try the mushroom Harumaki and shumai dumplings, lemon tart and chocolate mousse. ‘Staff are unstuffy and willing. We felt comfortable just walking in for a drink.’