This luxury addition to the InterContinental London portfolio occupies a distinguished 19th-century building once known as Queen Anne’s Chamber. Inside, it has been lavishly renovated with all manner of facilities including a traditional all-day lounge that comes into its own for afternoon tea (served 2-6pm). Expect a generous spread of finger sandwiches plus a selection of freshly baked scones, cakes and pastries (£29, or £41.50 with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Millesime Champagne 2004). There’s also an excellent choice of loose-leaf Jing teas for those who appreciate the cup that cheers – look for white peony, flowering osmanthus or Taiwan li shan (a complex oolong blend with a ‘glycerous and wonderfully creamy texture’). At weekends, live music is added to the mix. Light lunches are also available here, or you can sample something a bit different in the Blue Boar Smokehouse adjoining the hotel.