Taken over as a managed property by Brakspear in October 2015, The Church Street Townhouse features a light and airy bar hosting live music played by music students from King Edward VI School Monday-Saturday nights. All day bar snacks are served from the pewter-topped bar, along with Brakspear cask ales, and on the wine list, a well chosen selection of old and new world varieties, from £18 a bottle.

The bright and bustling all-day brasserie offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, pre-theatre suppers and dinner in cosy, dining spaces, seating 35. Expect a regularly changing, seasonal menu showcasing locally sourced produce and created by Townhouse head chef, James Hampson.

There’s also private dining in its library room seating 20 people and up to 35-40 for a reception.

Upstairs, 12 luxuriously finished bedrooms feature silk curtains, dark, velvet-covered headboards, snuggly throws, super-king-size beds with crisp cotton sheets and feather pillows, plus TV/DVD player, free WiFi and stylish en-suite bathrooms, with drench-showers, and some with freestanding, rolltop baths. Rooms from £110 for a standard double to £200 a night for a feature room – all on a B&B basis.