Perhaps one of the more appealing fish-hooks for The Milestone is the waiting period between booking your reservation and sitting yourself down in one of their comfy chairs; there's not much of one. Compared to places like The Ritz where you'd have to wait a considerable length of time for your reservation, at The Milestone, because of its smaller size, people come and go all the faster.

Whatever you choose from the extravagant menu, whether it's the Milestone Champagne Afternoon Tea (£39.50 per person), Afternoon Seduction (£70 for two people) with its half bottle of fizz, fruitcake and other delights, or the Ruinart Selection (£100 for two people) with all the usual bites plus a half bottle of Ruinart Champagne, you'll be sipping and nibbling it all in surroundings of utter comfort. They resemble those of an old manor house, or hunting lodge with its wood panel walls, large dominating portraits, long, heavy curtains and frilly ceiling skirts. Conversation is commanded to be hushed so the soundtrack should ideally be delicate words with the clink of glasses. Well, who'd be able to speak when they taste some of the finger sandwiches or pastries on offer?

Elsewhere, there are several individual teas available, rather than choosing a set menu. Darjeeling, Green Tea, Assam and Earl Grey as well as Camomile, Peppermint and Decaff. More exotic options include Lemon with Peel, China Black with spices and pieces of clove, or another Black China with chocolate shreds grated into it which melt when the tea brews, giving it a subtle chocolaty tongue.

Tea Times: Tea is served daily in the Park Lounge or Conservatory from 1pm - 6pm