"The horror! The horror!"  When Joseph Conrad carved those words into his novella Heart of Darkness, he wasn't anticipating today's mania for pop-up installations of everything. Yet that may be some people's first reaction upon hearing that London has stuck a temporary, boat-shaped hotel on the rooftop of a Thames River arts complex in homage to the English novelist. 

Low (Mayfair) - International DJs are on the decks at this hidden, boutique venue.

The Lucky Pig (Fitzrovia) - A top-shelf cocktail haven for Marylebone's posh shopowners and shopgoers. 

• Archer Street (Soho)- Bar with class; a rare find in Soho's theatreland.
• The Dorsia (South Kensington)- American Psycho's Patrick Bateman would covet this restaurant for its stand-out cocktails.
• more

● The Markham Inn (Chelsea) - Chef from Soho House New York debuts all-day upscale brasserie. ● Roti Chai (Mayfair) - Cheap and divine Pan-Indian street food served in modern Mumbai-style digs.

● Cut at 45 Park Lane (Mayfair) - Wolfgang Puck brings his Beverly Hills steakhouse to London. ● Senkai (Westminster) - Crowd pleasing sushi counter and sake lounge. ● Bassoon Piano Bar at the Corinthia Hotel (Westminster) - Music-themed cafe perfect for chilling out a few steps from Big Ben.

● Bunga Bunga (South West) - Thin-crust pizza with pies named after Silvio Berlusconi's rumored conquests

● Privée (Chelsea) - Trysting spot for one-time Beirut and Berlin club kids who've made good in London.

● Poncho No. 8 (Soho) - Burrito-starved Londoners queue at this Mexican pit stop, spicing up Soho's theater district.

● Montcalm London City at the Brewery (City) - All of the suites inside this 18th-century brewery come with a choose-your-own-aroma option, courtesy of a tailcoated butler.