Lazier hotels than the InterContinental simply go through the motions at teatime, serving a bill of fare that wouldn’t raise eyebrows at a WI meeting. Guests at the drop-dead gorgeous Wellington Lounge (every table has a view of the Wellington Arch) can expect so much more, and it’s obvious that a chef has had a hand in the creation of all three enticing menus: the ‘botanical’ (£38) dares to be different by kicking off with cardamom and vanilla-infused Champagne ahead of out-of-the-ordinary sweets and savouries such as nettle-marinated asparagus rolled in rare beef or Victoria plum and celeriac torte; the ‘royal’ version (£38) stays closer to classic English tradition, while the ‘best of British’ (£28) proudly champions the British Isles’ finest ingredients, both modest and luxurious. Tea choices include a bespoke blend by Tea Palace.