You’re inside the glorious grounds of Kew Gardens, enjoying the changing seasonal displays… After a while, you might just feel the need for some inner refreshment and a break from all the walking, wandering and admiring.

Close to the Main Gate is the elegant Orangery, dating back to 1761. Offering a good selection of herb teas (appropriately, although not Kew’s own blend) and a pretty full gamut of other hot and cold drinks, together with a more limited alcoholic selection, it’s tempting to have a drink here at any point in your visit. When the weather is good, and space permits, there’s a beautiful terrace to sit and sip on, basking in the surrounding green glory.

If you’re hungry, there’s also a tempting choice of hot dishes, sandwiches, salads and enticing sweet treats. They also provide a cute cardboard lunch-box for your little ones. It’s not a bargain but it will most likely enhance your visit and save you the chore of preparing an advance picnic. If you’re pigeon phobic, be warned they regularly enter the space seeking their own snacks.

If you need an inspiring venue for a private function it’s available for hire - at a (phew!) price, which also means it may not be open to the public 100 per cent of the time.