Afternoon tea at The Ritz in London is world renowned and is something that everyone traveling to the UK should experience. Tea at The Ritz is an institution unto itself and served in the spectacular Palm Court, embodying the elegantly frivolous comfort of high Edwardian life. With a variety of 18 types of tea to choose from, this delicious ritual truly offers something for everyone. It has been awarded the prestigious Tea Guild Awards (Award of Excellence, Top London Afternoon Tea, Top London Afternoon Tea) for many years in a row.
A fun fact is that the Ritz is London’s first organic hotel. In 2002, The Ritz was licensed by the Soil Association, the UK’s largest organic certification body.
For more afternoon tea reviews, check out our roundup of the best afternoon tea in London.
What to know if you go
For days, times, costs and to make a reservation, visit the official Ritz London website.
Dress code: formal. Jeans and sportswear are not allowed and gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie.
Reservations: Reservations are always required. It is advisable to book up to 12 weeks in advance.
Photography: No photography or filming is allowed at The Palm Court.
Music: In-residence pianist Ian Gomes performs his own renditions of classic favorites. He was a resident pianist at The Savoy before joining The Ritz in 1995. He is noted for his popular renditions of ‘Puttin’ at The Ritz ‘and’ A Nightingale Sang at Berkeley Square ‘, which have become traditional favorites. Depending on the time and day, there is plenty of musical entertainment, such as a string quartet, a soprano soloist, and a harpist.
Celebration Afternoons Teas
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, The Ritz has a selection of celebration options that may include champagne, thin sandwiches and scones and a birthday cake (note: chocolate is standard, but you can contact the hotel for more options) .
First impressions
From the hotel lobby, the doors open for you to enter The Long Gallery, which runs the length of the building. At first glance, you will be amazed at how grand and luxurious this place is.
The Palm Court is on your left, opposite the old Piccadilly entrance. At the entrance of the room, there is a mirrored background and marble columns. The glass ceiling floods the room with light and the wrought iron chandeliers are more like works of art with their painted metal flowers.
You are escorted to your reserved table by a waiter in tuxedo tails. Even the tables for two are big enough that the cake stand won’t block your dining companion’s view, and there’s a handy bag rack under each table, making it a nice touch to keep it formal. of the occasion. The porcelain dinnerware is exclusive to Palm Court with a pale green and rose gold design that complements the room.
The guest clientele tends to be more mature, but this event would appeal to all age groups (with the exception of very young children).
Menu and where to start
The Ritz offers a selection of 18 types of loose leaf teas, including Ritz Royal English tea. This mix goes well with the first course, the finger-cut sandwiches. The sandwiches have classic fillings like smoked salmon, roasted ham, and cucumber, and most are made of whole wheat or white bread. The exceptions were the mini egg mayo roll and the cheddar cheese chutney sandwich made with sun-dried tomato bread, an excellent combination.
The staff are exceptionally well trained and can give advice on choosing a tea or special dietary requirements, or even explain etiquette in English.
The scones do not arrive with your cake stand, as they are brought to the table still warm. There are raisin scones and plain scones, both served with strawberry preserves and clotted Cornish cream.
How long to stay
If you’re concerned that the timing of each session in two-hour increments may seem rushed, don’t be; there will be more than enough time to try everything. The Ritz staff have low hours and work extremely well. It’s incredibly impressive how the staff are fully aware of the stage each table is in at any given moment, never making you feel like you’re being overlooked.
The boards are set up for the next session while you’re there, but they’re cleverly done with hardly a sound and aren’t intrusive.
