THE sun was shining, the rowers were gliding along the picturesque Thames, and copious bottles of champagne were at the ready. It was another glorious Henley Regatta.

The event is generally an excuse to dress up in straw boaters, chinos, and pretty hats and frocks and get merry in the sunshine, on the pretence of watching the sport.

My friend and I were invited to The River Lounge, which was situated at the start line, for afternoon tea but we only managed to watch two races because there was so much going on to attract your attention.

The River Lounge was a comfortable space with white leather sofas, beautiful flowers, excellent service and all manner of drinks which were generously doled out to the thirsty guests.

As it was boiling hot sunshine we sat a little inside the venue in the shade, listening to a duo play acoustic summer songs and eating delicious cream teas provided by Rhubarb.

Delicate finger sandwiches in abundance were laid out, with an array of fillings, including smoked salmon and cream cheese, egg and cress, and tuna.

Bites of chocolate brownies and large slabs of carrot cake were also hungrily eaten.

We went back for seconds as the fare was so tasty and we washed it down with champers and Pimms - and a few glasses of water to keep us upright.

Next stop was dancing! The legendary Chinawhite enclosure was in stumbling distance of the lounge, and featured DJs, chill-out sofas and more drinks-a-plenty.

Various tables were ordering giant bottles of Grey Goose, resplendent with sparklers, and glamorous girls were dancing on the sofas.

By the end of the night the revellers were up and jumping to classic tracks and the atmosphere was electric. The noticeable aspect of Henley is that the crowd really aren’t a rowdy bunch, despite free-flowing drinks on tap at events all day. Everyone was well-behaved and a million miles away from what was labelled ‘Royal Chav-scot’ when Ascot was held this year.

Women were dressed elegantly and there wasn’t a fake-tanned body in sight. Indeed the men too were gentlemanly and smart.

If there is one classy event to attend next summer, it’s Henley Regatta for its superb social offering.

Oh, and perhaps you could catch the rowing too.

The River Lounge also provide breakfast and lunch. For more information see http://www.rhubarb.net/Venues/rhubarb-during-the-Regatta