Slumming it in the City

Although it might be hard to convince the management at pub company Mitchells & Butlers so, the credit crunch isn't bad news for everyone.

City Road Travelodge on the edge of London's financial district is doing a roaring trade as bonus deprived City workers and visiting bankers opt for somewhat less decadent accommodation than normal and check-in at the budget brand.

Of course there's only so far you can push a depressed City type, stripped suit and all, and although the hotel's rates start at a very keen £30 this newly enforced fiscal prudence has not extended to the booze being knocked back to drown sorrows.

Out has gone the Travelodge's middle of the road Cava and in has come, by request, Louis Roederer Cristal at £250 pound a pop. It's apparently flying off the shelves.

So more out to lunch than credit crunch.

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