Well-furnished with confidence, San Carlo reaches the peak of swagger in its restaurant on Selfridges’ second floor (the firm also runs the café in the basement beauty hall). This glamorous, fun venue is an ideal spot for a mid-shopping break, providing great views of Exchange Square and an interior that boasts a glorious profusion of marble. Unsurprisingly, it often attracts queues. The seasonal menu of small cicchetti snacks (including pizzas, pastas and salads) shares its signature dishes with other links in the San Carlo chain. Gorgonzola gnocchi in a Parmesan basket, and obscenely rich pasta carbonara, both offer short but enjoyable routes to a sleepy afternoon. Order a cocktail or glass of Prosecco at the bar to be sure of it. If you’re in a hurry to get back to the shops, make it clear to the staff; amid all the buzz, quiet customers invariably seem to get served last.