V&A Café, Victoria and Albert, London

After traipsing the galleries jam-packed with ancient, world-class designs of the Victoria and Albert Museum, only the most gorgeous pit stop will do for a V&A visitor.  Look no further than theV&A Café. While the minimalist white corridors at the Café entrance are an entirely comfortable place to eat, head straight through to the trio of tea-rooms beyond, where a thoroughly  Victorian tea experience awaits.

The first room, the Green Room, was designed by Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co, the company set up by William Morris before he went on to become one of the most famous, and most recognisable, designers of the 19th century.

The central Gamble Room is all light and gold and sparkling chandeliers, with mottos inscribed in the decoration like ‘Hunger is the best sauce’, and the blue and white tiles of the final Poynter are all hand-painted, completing the series of rooms that made up the first museum restaurant in the world.

A range of hot and soft drinks are served all day, with a satisfyingly large choice of cakes and pastries fresh from the mouth-watering Benugo bakery.

Choices include a range of sandwiches and other dishes, such as pastrami cornichon brioche roll or the roast peppers, artichoke and buffalo mozzarella vegetarian sandwich. They also offer soups and salads -which are delicious enough to eat on their own.

For a heartier excuse to loiter in the tea-rooms, steaming hot meals are also on offer. I saw many a visitor clutching the spiced lamb, chicken and carrot pie, but other temptations include: prawn Vietnamese spring rolls with sweet chili sauce, butterbean, leek and mushroom casserole or coq au vin served with mash. As well as a range of hot and soft drinks, there is a selection of beer, and red and white wines.

Regular visitors needn’t tire of the options, as food choices are served according to the season, and the menu is changed every few months. Children’s menus are also available.

The V&A Café

V&A, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

Opening times

Every day 10:00-17:15; Fridays 10:00-21:30

The Garden Café is closed in December and January