BRAIN FOOD: Matters for the mind to chew on - Room service Where Sebastian Conran stays

FOR BUSINESS: Business travelling is a nightmare and totally disorientating.

I usually end up in a Hilton by default - you know what you're in for, but they're soulless. I never feel at home. You want a hotel where there is a calmness and a level of organisation. One that fits the bill is myhotel bloomsbury, an oasis of calm in London. All the bedrooms are individual - quite small but well appointed. It has a lovely library and free coffee and cakes.

You're not putting your hand in your pocket every five minutes, as tipping is banned. There are lots of small details, carefully thought through, which make it a relaxing experience. I recommended it to a Japanese businessperson I met travelling on Eurostar and got an e-mail back saying that it had been their favourite thing about London.