Des Gunewardena and David Loewi’s first hotel was always going to be in London’s business and banking district, an area known as the 'City of London'. “It’s our turf,” says Gunewardena. “We know the crowd.” Their particular patch, where the City meets Old Street, has none of the West End’s glamor, but scratch the grimy surface and a fresh face lies beneath. “What makes it so exciting architecturally,” says Loewi, “is the development of the new alongside so many gorgeous old buildings.” And while the view on the street is gritty, the gleaming towers of the financial district—including Sir Norman Foster’s ‘gherkin’ and the new Heron Tower—are never far from the eye. Here, Gunewardena and Loewi share their favorite local destinations: