USP The Rolls-Royce of spas, this decadent gentleman's club reeks of decadance and formality, but the Turkish baths now admit ladies on Tuesdays.

AMBIENCE Moorish mosaic pillars, dark wood and brass, green-shaded snooker tables, smoking rooms, and a marble swimming pool. A pleasing escape from the whale music and aromatherapy baloney of girlie spas.

EXPERIENCE The steam baths comprise a series of rooms, each hotter than the last. After it's time to change back into your jacket and tie to lounge on plush sofas while sampling tea and dainties. Magazines are provided, but anything to do with business or work is banned.

FOOD Pheasant, partridge, wild duck, hare, pasta with shavings of white truffle. You get the idea.

IN CROWD Gents chewing cigars over an afternoon rubber of bridge or snoozing discreetly in wing-backed chairs.

WALLET WATCH Free as a guest, if you know someone on the inside. To join, you must cough up £1,750 after being nominated by two members. Then it's another £875 each year. Young members, offspring and spouses pay less.

NEED TO KNOW 89 Pall Mall, London SW1 (020 7930 2345; www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk)

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