LONG to reign over us, happy and glorious, God save the Queen!

Though I’m not really a royalist (or a republican either); when it comes to a bit of good old-fashioned British patriotism I have no problem with showing how proud I am to be part of this great nation.

So when I heard The Petersham hotel had asked pastry chef Alison Dabbs to alter its popular afternoon tea in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee I couldn’t wait to check it out.

Given the close proximity to Mothers Day, I asked my own dear mum to accompany me on my visit - and what a pleasant and convivial time we were treated to.

Anyone familiar with this splendid hotel’s stunning location will know it’s bright and spacious dining room offers highly picturesque views across gardens and fields down to a loop of the River Thames.

We were seated right next to the window and immediately asked to select our choice of tea.

There was a slight awkward moment when we both went for Traditional English breakfast, as we realised one of us really should be a little more daring.

So in the end I changed my mind and decided to try my first ever pot of Darjeeling, which proved to be an excellent choice - although my unfamiliarity with the strainer meant I ended up with a clump of leaves in my tea each time I poured a fresh cup!

I was also immensley taken with the set of hour glasses which contained different coloured sand which once it had run out told you the tea was sufficiently infused to drink.

There is nothing quite so genteel as sitting back in a comfy armchair, cup of tea in hand, gazing out the window at the sun setting over the water.

At this point the food was delivered.

The bottom plate contained an array of freshly cut finger sandwiches; there were enough for two each and the fillings were Scottish smoked salmon with cream cheese and chive, honeyroast ham with wholegrain mustard, smoked applewood cheese with apple cider chutney and finally the most traditional of all; cucumber.

My mum was so taken with this fine fare that she even happily wolffed down a smoked salmon sandwich, even though she doesn’t like it!

We both remarked on how tasty the butter that had been used was and for me personally I think the cheese and chutney was my favourite.

On mum’s advice (she always knows best when it comes to eating) we decided to have the scones next, in case we overdid the cakes and didn’t leave enough room.

There were two each again, homemade fruit scones, with a generous pot of West Country clotted cream and strawberry preserve.

The writer Bill Bryson may have once derided such delicacies as being cautiously flavourful, but all I can say is he obviously never tried ones like these. They were bursting with taste and soon there was nothing but crumbs left on the plate.

It was time to order another pot of tea each (it’s all included in the price) before we shared out the selection of gorgeous cakes, each one themed on the royal jubilee and wrapped in a suitably patriotic paper case.

We gorged ourselves on blackberry tartlet, battenburg cake, fondant fancies, choux swans and a rich and indulgent slice of fruit cake. At no point did we feel rushed and were content to simply stay and chat long after the tea was finished.

A spread fit for any member of the Royal Family is how we both summed up the experience and would not hesitate to return for another go.

We’re in luck because the tea is availble every day until June 24, from 3.30-5.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 4-5.30pm on Sundays.

It costs £23.50 per person (for £36 they throw in a glass of champagne) and £1 from each tea sold goes to the Museum of Richmond’s Happy & Glorious Exhibition. Now that is worth waving a flag about!