A modern day gingerbread house for local Hansels and Gretels, the Mondrian London is the aggressive new disco ball illuminating the Southbank neighborhood. The entrance opens to a scattered hive of seating areas and eclectic lounge spaces, the seeming handiwork of a billionaire outfitting his private jet. Our visit slipped into twilight over wine and a selection of snacks at the hotel’s signature Sea Containers bar. With a view of the Thames, we settled in for a good catch up with a dear friend and fell into that rare space between cities filled with the best of both.