My experience:
Queue outside the embassy for about 30 mins, get searched, surrender your phone etc., get a security pass, into the embassy to take a number. Wait for about an hour before the number is called. Go up to the counter and hand over the cheque, passport, forms and supporting documentation, go sit down. Called to the counter about 30 minutes later to be asked about intentions and funding; told to sit down. Called to the counter once more to get my documents back and told my passport would be in the post. Go drop back the security pass and collect my belt and phone. All in all about 3 hours I suppose, not the most exciting experience, but nothing intimidating! A lot more relaxed than I anticipated and worried over for months... Good luck!