HotelChatter

During WWII, this area of town enjoyed the same reputation, but during this time of rationing and sociopolitical instability, concerns were much more profound than anything discussed on The Hills reality ripoff Made in Chelsea. Still, in this microcosmic wonderland of wealth and privilege, a certain opulent standard of living was maintained, and there are salacious champagne-fueled stories to prove it.

The West End Front: The Wartime Secrets of London's Grand Hotels is a tell-all of sorts, exposing tales of spy activity, overindulgence, and star scandals behind-the-scenes, all against the backdrop of WWII. If you're a history buff, the book seemingly delivers a solid account of the days of yesteryear, balancing education with entertaining, sometimes racy anecdotes. (Apparently the Ritz' Lower Bar was a notorious "pick-up spot for men who liked a man in uniform.")

For more on the book, click here. Its content sounds far more interesting than the inane pseudo-dramas West End PYTs like Ollie and Hugo face on a weekly basis.