Luxurious without being flash, the new ‘truffle lounge’ in Harrods is a little jewel adjacent to the fine-wine department. Perch at the high counter for cocktails and snacks or try the snug dining room with its subdued lighting, wenge-wood panelling, caramel leather seating and steel trays with suede buckled straps as tabletops. Truffle magic informs everything on the menu –foie gras, fine Italian beef (from Chianina and Fassone cattle), lardo di Colonnata, pasta, pizza, aged Parmesan, risotto and salads. There are carpaccios and tartares for dieters and the inevitable burger for those who enjoy getting their hands dirty. Truffled egg breakfast dishes are served between 10am and noon. The wine list is expensive for everyday labels, but coffees, soft drinks and beers provide alternatives. Top-class Italian bottles (Tignanello, Sassicaia, Amarone, Gaja and Barolo) costing £500-plus will have you reaching for your credit card – especially when white truffles come into season in winter.