A decadent afternoon tea at The Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington

If, like me, you enjoy a spot of decadence once in while then afternoon tea in the Drawing Room at The Ampersand Hotel is a must. It’s the perfect place to meet up with girlfriends and while away a few hours eating perfect little sandwiches and cakes. The bright and cosy décor, with its red velvet chairs and eccentric artwork, immediately puts you in a good mood.

You start with tartines (posh open sandwiches to you and me) featuring Gloucester old spot ham and Goldstein smoked salmon – a far cry from a dull cucumber sandwich. Next it’s onwards and upwards to the homemade scones with jam and clotted cream, then you need to somehow find some room for a final tier of pastries – chocolate éclairs, lemon tarts, beautiful raspberry macaroons that look too good to eat, and salted peanut florentines which are my absolute favourite.

It’s a bit of a marathon so be sure to pace yourself with plenty of chat and champagne breaks along the way, and make sure the skinny jeans stay firmly in the wardrobe that day – elastic waist bands only!