Located in a magnificent neo-Georgian Grade II-listed building, and once a teatime home-from-home for the young Princess Elizabeth (now our Queen), the Lutyens Lounge at The Bloomsbury Hotel still cuts quite a dash as a venue for that most English of afternoon repasts. Ornate candelabra, patterned sofas and lush carpets set the tone for a traditional £30 spread that includes buttermilk scones and unusual sandwiches (pastrami with Dijon mayo on tomato bread, say) plus seasonal fruit tarts, Victoria sponge and other classic cakes. For an extra £5 you can add a cheeky ‘tea’ cocktail or a glass of sparkling Ridgeview wine – a royal favourite served for the Queen’s 80th birthday and Diamond Jubilee. If you want something less extravagant, plump for a straightforward cream tea with scones, clotted cream and jam (£14.50).