After a shopping spree on nearby High Street Ken, post-retail succour comes in the form of afternoon tea – or, preferably, a Champagne spread – at the Kensington Close Hotel & Spa. This handily located brick and glass-fronted four-star retreat isn’t London’s prettiest, but an (on-going) refurbishment has given the public areas – including the contemporary, yet plush Lounge Bar – a new lease of life. A good, old-school tea (served from noon to 7pm) represents value at £15.50 (£23 with fizz). Modern-looking, three-tier cake stands are loaded with goodies including crust-free finger sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, pastries and savouries backed by a choice of traditional teas, herbal infusions, coffee or soft drinks. Artful lighting, mirrors and a backlit bar allow the space to move from teatime to cocktail o’clock with ease.