Chateau Denmark

Worth getting out of bed for

The Now building has risen like some sci-fi totem to claim the title of the largest deployment of video screens in the world – four storeys high and capable of showing in 8k and 4D at 360 degrees if you want to know the science bit – so all manner of 'happenings' might be happening when you're here. Chateau guests will also get access to any gigs and events going on in the various on-site venues so, you never know, you might come back with one of those 'I was there when…' stories. Otherwise, you're not short of entertainment: theatreland, Chinatown, Soho, Covent Garden, Fitzrovia, Marylebone and all the big shopping streets are but a plectrum toss away. For cultural pursuits, the British Museum, the Photographer's Gallery, the Wellcome Collection, the Sir John Soane's Museum and the Wallace Collection are all strollable – and very worth your time. For some greenery, head north to the resplendent Regent's Park, about half an hour or so on foot. 

If you're likely to be on the lookout for vinyl souvenirs from your musically inspired stay you've got plenty of options. Jack White's Marshall Street Third Man store stocks well chosen LPs, tons of exclusive Nashville-recorded singles from kindred artists, a multitude of merchandise and has a bijou blue-room basement for intimate gigs (which also, neatly, has a randomly dispensing book vending machine). Sounds of the Universe, on Broadwick Street, gives a pretty comprehensive musical world tour: from hot-property 12-inches and captivating compilations upstairs to Brazilian and Nigerian rarities in the vinyl-packed basement. Sister Ray is a Soho staple, and home to all the latest releases. Dance music disciples will be more at home at Phonica. 

Local restaurants

High-spirited dining is likely to be the flavour of the day for Chateau guests and it can be found in spades at OTT trattoria Circolo Populare (the cavernous creation of avowed maximalists the Big Mamma Group) where you can eat pasta from wheels of cheese, slow-cooked beef brisket with accompanying fondue and obscenely large slices of lemon meringue pie. Take a short walk into Soho and let yourself be lured by the risque neons of La Bodega Negra: salacious sex shop on the outside, tasty Mexican joint on the inside – with an ambiente animado. A short stroll away, on Hanway Place, is Hakkasan, home to some sublime signature menus of finely crafted Cantonese fare. On Denmark Street itself, at the former address of Bowie-blessed café Giaconda, you'll find an outpost of Flat Iron for all your meat-related needs. 

Local bars

Soak up more of London's musical heritage at the world famous Ronnie Scott's (or just 'Ronnie's' in these parts) where top drawer jazz talent is on show every night. Jazz in an even more intimate setting can be found further along the street at Jazz After Dark. Join the throngs at the French House for small bieres, cidres and pastis – the way it has been done there since Brendan Behan, Dylan Thomas and Charles de Gaulle were regulars. Or if Guinness is your tipple of choice, squeeze your way into the teensy Toucan: it's said to serve the city's best. If you, or your drinking buddies, are members you're well placed for behind-closed-doors libations at the Groucho Club, Black's and 40 Greek Street. And Chiltern Firehouse is still a blazingly hot spot for date night or, well, any night. In Soho in the wee hours? Do as everyone does and stop in at the storied Bar Italia for a nightcap – or a panini and a pick-me-up espresso.