The imposing 1930s-era Meliá White House by Regent’s Park may be a Spanish-owned property, but you won’t find olives and croquetas in amongst the cucumber sandwiches on the tea table. This four-star deluxe hotel honours every detail of the cherished and time-honoured British afternoon tradition, which it delivers in the carpeted, wood-panelled Longfords Bar to the gentle, soothing sound of a harpist (weekends only, alas). Fairly priced at £18 (or £27 with a chilled glass of Champagne Mercier), the daily afternoon tea (unusually served from 1-5pm) offers the usual display of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream and homemade cakes (all made in house). The practice of serving tea in the hotel’s bar means that you can move onto something stronger at cocktail o’clock.