On a bright, sunny day if I happen to be ‘in town’, I love to grab a cuppa at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on Portland Place. It’s a great place to catch up on emails between meetings or a quiet place to meet a friend or colleague for a natter. Best of all, with floor to ceiling windows, the light just floods in. The person who designed this building clearly knew what they were doing.

The café is on the first floor and as you walk up the sweeping staircase from the entrance you can hear the gentle click of teacups. The art deco interior is really striking, all high ceilings, strong black granite pillars and a light wood and marble floor which acts to bounce the light around the stunning space. Even my tea comes in an unusually shaped teapot which adds to the 1930s feel. In one corner, is a grand piano. I’ve often hoped that some talented pianist would appear to accompany my cuppa but it hasn’t happened yet. Perhaps you will be more lucky…

Image courtesy of Sweetington on Flickr