where shall we meet? The R Bar, SW3

Sydney Street runs between the Fulham and King's Roads, and the R Bar caters to Chelsea's aspirant beautiful people. What this generally means is that the staff are decorative and the clientele consists mainly of accountants hoping some glamour mi ght rub off. Tant pis: this basement, recognisable by the lovely white fairy lights on the railings outside, is delightfully decorated inside, with plush curlicued sofas and coffee tables where you can curl up with your beautiful friends and drink Vodka Martinis at an astonishing £7.50. You can also, if you have any money left, graze on whitebait (£3.50) or mussels and calamari (£3.95), but don't move a facial muscle in case you get wrinkles or crack your make-up.

The R Bar, 4 Sydney St, SW3 (071-376 4972)

Serena Mackesy