Palm Court

We knew the Prinicipal London’s opening this year would be a biggie, but this hotel just seems to keep giving. First there was new hang-out Neptune, then Fitz’s for late night cocktails and impromptu music, and now there’s Palm Court, the final opening from the mammoth project. Designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners, the court consists of an open-air terrace and winter garden. We’re not usually ones for afternoon tea but the cakes and patisserie here are incredible: executive chef Roger Olson (The Dorchester) and executive sous-chef Ryan Thompson (Dominique Ansel), along with pastry chef Thibault Marchand, have chosen playful twists on English flavour combinations, so look out for Bloomsbury chocolate and tonka mousse, yuzu and sesame macarons and apple and vanilla custard tartlets. And don’t forget: after 6pm the cocktails begin – so watch out for that gin trolley!