Eventually we sit down opposite each other on low, understaffed armchairs in the grand ballroom of the semi chi-chi hotel.

It has five bars and restaurants varying in decor from grand ballroom with original features to cosy modern dining rooms.

The 7,200 sq ft grand ballroom has a 46ft ceiling crowned by a 30ft stained-glass dome, a huge, sweeping staircase on each side.

First-floor stores were leased, and a grand ballroom on the second-floor was rented out.

The house once had a grand ballroom which was removed in the 1920s.