Angelina’s Tea Room, 75001 Paris, France

This cafe is in all the guidebooks and not normally the sort of place I’m interested in. But having heard that the famous downstairs room had recently been renovated I thought I’d go to have a look. Also it’s right opposite the Louvre which is handy after going to an exhibition – in this instance The Kingdom of Alexander the Great, which was really worth a visit – exquisite gold jewellery, tomb furnishings, alabaster vases and containers and a multitude of columns and statues.

And it turned out to be a good decision. The room with its Art Deco chandelier, mirrors, wall fresque and gold and white columns was very attractive, and the menu was good too. There is a plat du jour, which that day was veal fillet with chips (20 Euros) but there are also various club sandwiches – salmon or ham – and a delicious foie gras salad with fresh green beans and artichokes (22 Euros).

But Angelina’s, which was founded in 1903, is mostly famous for its hot chocolate and patisseries – the cake shop takes up the whole front of the building – and also for its enormous brunch which includes champagne, hot chocolate, fresh fruit, croissants, cakes and an egg dish (50 Euros). Personally I couldn’t have eaten so much but several people were happily munching their way through it.

We went at about 2.30 p.m. but when we came out an hour or so later there was a queue of over 50 people waiting to get in – and apparently this is quite common – so it’s important to time your arrival carefully! However another branch of the café is due to open shortly in the Jardin du Luxembourg alongside the Senate, so that may help to reduce the pressure a little.