For full-blown elegance, delectable desserts and tea in one of London’s most refined settings, you can’t miss The Orangery.

The Venue
Designed in the 18th century as a ceremonial hall for Queen Anne, The Orangery is a stunning restaurant and tea house set in the leafy, opulent surrounds of Kensington Palace. Approaching the majestic building is an avenue of pristinely coiffed topiary and an immaculate lawn that spreads out from a spacious stone terrace, dotted with umbrellas and tables. In warm weather you can sit out there to soak up the sun and the view, otherwise head inside to the opulent tiled hallway complete with high ceilings and elegant columns, giant cream corniced arches and romantic statues. Tables draped with starched white cloths are topped with mini kumquat trees and sit alongside an impressive display of guilty-pleasure cakes, pastries, scones and, of course, platters of juicy, vibrant oranges.

The Atmosphere
The Orangery attracts a relaxed mix of tourists and locals, mostly in groups of twos or threes, having a peaceful light lunch, afternoon date or a Champagne brunch. The ambience is romantic and sophisticated but without the pretension you might find in other high-end tea spots in London. Children are welcome here and ladies are guided to their table by an endearingly polite maitre d’.

The Food
Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea (until 5pm or 6pm, depending on the time of year), the food at the Orangery is exceptionally decadent. The sophisticated lunch menu (only available until 2.30pm), with starters from £5.95 and mains from £9/£10, includes a mixture of traditional British fare, seasonal produce and simple favourites with a twist. The proof of the pedigree of this venue is, however, in the pudding. Prepare to loosen the waistband as the desserts and cakes here are irresistible – think giant scones laden with juicy sultanas are served with lashings of thick Cornish clotted cream and an oozing, deliciously tart berry compote. The Orangery cake is a bouncy sponge layered and iced with a light, zesty orange cream.

Sweet tooths are spoiled for choice with an eye-boggling selection of meringues, pastries, tortes and tarts, starting from £2.50. You can also get dainty puds like a chocolate tear drop filled with strawberry mousse or a lemon posset with fresh raspberries from around £5.50. If you fancy something a little more savoury, you can get prim cucumber and cream cheese or salmon sandwich triangles (with the crusts off, naturally) or vol-au-vents to accompany your tea.

The Drink
A member of the prestigious Tea Guild, for outlets dedicated to serving high-quality tea, The Orangery is all about getting a decent cuppa. With ten flavours to choose from, there’s a brew to suit even the most discerning of tea palates, including fruity, herbal teas like rosehip to Assam, Ceylon and the robust Cornish tea Tregothnan. There are four complete afternoon teas you can choose from (with tea or coffee accompanied by an array of sweet and/or savoury snacks), starting from £14.50 for the basic Orangery Tea.

Spoil yourself with the champagne tea for £19.95 – not only do you get a glass of citrussy French bubbly (Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve) but a slice of a devilishly rich Belgian chocolate cake to finish. Refreshing elderflower cordial and sweet homemade lemonade are great for the kids, or there is also a wide selection of premium Champagnes and wines to accompany your lunch.

The Last Word
Everyone loves the chance to feel like royalty, and although it can be pricey, the sumptuous surroundings of the Orangery are the perfect treat.

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