Tue 17 Sep, 2013 SPOILT FOR CHOICE London EDITION vs. The Ace Hotel Some might say it's all about the company you keep – and London's latest hotel openings are keeping very good company. With America's leading hoteliers, the local scene's hottest chefs and music's cult names getting involved in two new London launches, this is the biggest shake up we've seen in recent years. In one camp, there's the new London EDITION in Fitzrovia led by the triumvirate of Ian Schrager, Jason Atherton and Seb Chew. If you haven't been in yet, this is one grand dame. The lobby glistens with black walnut and Dali-inspired lamps, and the rooms (inspired by yacht cabins) feature wood panelling and George Smith lounge chairs. In fact, this is a hotel where wood reigns supreme- the hotel's bar, The Punch Room serves- surprise, surprise- punch amongst other things and has the decadent feel of a 19th century private club, with smoked oak walls and leather club chairs. Atherton's Berners Tavern dining room is a regal, chandelier-fitted affair, with menu offerings like charcoal-grilled Buccleuch Estate beef, sweet potato crème brûlée, and a Cereal Killer cocktail à la Momofoku. Then there's Seb Chew in the club. Bringing the West London YOYO vibe from the Notting Hill Arts Club into the EDITION's Basement is a great pairing – and an interesting one at that. With Patrick Woodroffe's dramatic spotlight-covered ceiling, minimal chairs and no table service, a slurpie machine and a great crowd, the Basement is Studio 54 with a modern update – come here ready to dance. Over in Shoreditch, there's the Ace Hotel tribe, led by boutique hotel king Alex Calderwood, the Bistrotheque boys and Hattie Fox. This is Ace's first foray across the pond, and Calderwood's Portland hipster aesthetic reigns supreme (we spotted a photo booth, bicycles and bearded staff). The rooms are all about old school craftsmanship with a contemporary twist – expect Reva turntables, Brockway carpets and Ally Capellino leather change trays. David Waddington and Pablo Flack's Hoi Polloi brasserie and bar promises to be an all day affair, from breakfast (think pineapple, pink grapefruit, chilli and mint) to dinner at midnight served with the pair's trademark modern English slant. On the music front, we hear Bistrotheque music director and Placebo alumnus Xavier Roide will be making noise on Sundays, whilst BEAT magazine is set to organise surprise performances. Shoreditch fixture Hattie Fox completes the Ace team – joining Bistrotheque in giving the chain local cred, moving her botanical design studio-cum-florist into the hotel's ground floor. With a juice bar and Square Mile Coffee Roasters shop hot on her heels, the Ace lobby is sure to be packed. All day wining, dining and dancing in the East and West? Suddenly we feel like going out again.   Info London EDITION, 10 Berners Street, W1T 3NP Berners Tavern, 10 Berners Street, W1T 3NP Ace Hotel, 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ Hoi Polloi, opens 3 October. Booking lines now open. 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ LINK TO THIS FEATURE: Lifestyle by NN SPOTLIGHT THE OLD QUEEN'S HEAD Sponsored listing If you haven't been down to The Old Queens Head lately, you're missing out. Brought to you by the group that owns XOYO, The Blues Kitchen and The Nest, The Old Queen's Head plays host to a carefully selected programme of must- see events, from live music and theatre to comedy and club nights, all in your traditional London boozer. Bringing you everything from Bloody Marys, roast dinners and board games on lazy Sundays to big nights out on Fridays and Saturdays, the Old Queens Head has welcomed the likes of Horse Meat Disco, Erol Alkan and Mumford and Sons. With a unique space that mixes modern décor with traditional features, The Old Queens Head is the perfect place for any party with private areas, delicious food and - of course - the infamous karaoke room. The Old Queens Head, 44 Essex Rd, N1 8LN SPOTLIGHT OFFER HAKKASAN MASTERCLASS We love a bit of dim sum, especially when done by Hakkasan, so good news we're giving away five pairs of tickets to learn from the masters themselves. On Sunday September 22, Hakkasan Hanway Place is opening their kitchen and teaching the tricks of their trade by way of a Masterclass, to celebrate their launch of Dim Sum Sundays. And if you want to dim sum(ore), the Masterclass is followed by 50% off their £58 Sunday brunch menu. To enter for a chance to win a spot simply email competition@urbanjunkies.com with your name and phone number. Hakkasan Hanway Place, 8 Hanway Place, W1T 1HD Calendar Picks This Week’s Picks WATCH EAT SEE BOOK NOW Catch Cate Blanchett's Oscar-worthy performance in Woody Allen's return to form, Blue Jasmine. From September 22, Hackney Picture House, 270 Mare Street, E8 1HE Get your Japanese food fix at Chotto Matte. Our pick? The BBQ pork belly with nashi pear salsa. Chotto Matte, 11-13 Frith Street, W1D 4RD Get up close and personal with fashion's greatest icons (Karl Lagerfeld, YSL and more) at Robert Mapplethorpe: Fashion Show. Until 5 October, Alison Jacques Gallery, 16-18 Berners Street, W1T 3LN Grab a ticket for Tonkotsu East Eats pre-launch event. At £30 a pop, with 3 courses and a cocktail, ramen heaven is guaranteed. September 28, Tonkotsu East, Arch 334, 1a Dunston Street, E8 4EB CLICK HERE FOR MORE LISTINGS LIKE SHARE FORWARD PREVIOUS EDITION (c) 2013 Urban Junkies. All rights reserved. Reproductions of any portion of this website only with our express permission. 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