The more we revisit Claridge’s, the more we adore the poised, polished perfection of its main bar and the 1920s glitz of Le Fumoir – an art-deco, Lalique-mirrored gem that's as swoony as Rita Hayworth in the movie Gilda. Class marques such as Gosset, Henriot, Bruno Paillard and David Léclapart appear on a Champagne list whose four-figure divas are out to tempt: Krug, Dom Pérignon and Jacques Selosse '95 (a snip at £2,100) are there for the taking, although mouth-wateringly moussant Deutz Brut NV suits us fine at £85. Meanwhile, killer cocktails such as Some Apples Get Eaten (a mix of Cognac, apple, sage and teapot bitters) are fit for the royals when they drop in with A-list friends. Nibbles are equally regal too – think caviar, oysters, lobster tempura, asparagus risotto, macaroons and warm sugar doughnuts with apricot sauce. Need we continue?