Exiting Knightsbridge tube on to the Brompton Road, the immensely grand Mandarin Oriental stood opposite us, a short walk across the road. Staff dressed in red jackets ushered taxis for departing guests and halted traffic as a series of exotic motors pulled in to drop off arrivals. Entering the hotel we were greeted by an equally well-presented front of house, before being whisked to the Mandarin Bar for a pre-dinner cocktail.

The finest marble and carved palatial details could be seen wherever you looked. Entering the bar an enormous selection of bottles hide behind frosted backlit glass walls, which surrounded busy staff preparing spectacularly eye-catching drinks.

After enjoying a Mojihto served in an o-shaped green glass and an equally delicious Madame Butterfly Champagne cocktail, we moved through to be seated in the visually stunning Foliage Restaurant. Designed by the renowned Adam Tihany, the interior of the restaurant is dictated by clean lines and geometric shapes, which combine with soft lighting to create a contemporary but very comfortable atmosphere. Behind the blinds, sandwiched between giant glass panels siding the room, are 24,000 white silk leaves that seem to come to life with clever lighting. The concept of the design was to bring the park into the restaurant, and together with hand picked leaves placed under the bespoke glass table plates it certainly achieved it.

Having won the most prestigious of the restaurant awards, the Michelin Star, for the sixth year running we had high expectations for the food and service but it did not disappoint. Both of us chose the tasting menu, and were equally impressed by the incredible sophistication of each course even with the highest pre-conceptions. The tasting menu is designed so that diners can experience several tastes and textures over the duration of the meal and we enjoyed each with jaw dropping satisfaction. Highlights of the six-course meal were the seared scallops served with ceps, walnuts and pickled pears, and the sea bass with pumpkin, chorizo and ruby endive. Choosing the wine tasting to compliment, each glass suited the food perfectly and cleansed the palette when needed. This together with the very reasonable price of £75 and £56 for the wine tasting supplement, made the visit one to talk about.