Good news for cake lovers: Ladurée's macaron emporium in Covent Garden is also home to an intimate Parisian teahouse. Like a beautiful French boudoir, the two tiny rooms are decorated with pastel shades, plush velvet banquettes and antique paintings – little wonder it's a Mecca for adoring tourists and local ladies in search of sweet distraction. Afternoon tea is as pretty as a picture: dainty finger sandwiches arrive on a silver tiered stand, along with delicious mini viennoiseries and absolutely lovely cakes – St Honoré rose framboise, with layers of choux pastry, rose-petal cream and raspberries is a perfect example of the patissier's art. Ladurée’s iconic macarons are also in demand, alongside substantial savoury fare such as rabbit medallions with truffle sauce or seared scallops with caramelised chicory. Alfresco seating on the terrace or piazza is a further draw.