The Foodie Travel Guide> London> Afternoon Tea> Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
Put on the Glitz For Afternoon Tea at the Ritz Hotel in London
The Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly, London
A Champagne Afternoon Tea in the Palm Court Tea Salon at the Ritz is one of London’s most luxurious Afternoon Tea experiences.
Afternoon Tea at the Ritz is served in the hotel’s ornate Palm Court Tea Salon Photo: The Ritz Hotel
Describe something as “Ritzy” and it means it’s both expensive and fashionable. As one of London’s most famous and iconic hotels, The Ritz is indeed expensive.
Thankfully, a Champagne Afternoon Tea at the Ritz is a more affordable way to experience the hotel’s legendary hospitality. It’s popular too so do make sure you book well ahead if you’re planning a special celebration.
Taken in The Palm Court, Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is an opulent affair rich in tradition and history. There’s a strict dress code so it’s an ideal choice if you love to dress up. Follow tea with a gentle stroll through leafy Green Park to see Buckingham Palace and to spy one of the best views of Big Ben and the London Eye.
The Ritz Story
The Ritz has been a favourite hang out of the rich and famous since it first opened in 1906.
During the Second World War, it’s where Churchill met Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle. The Queen Mother regularly dined at the hotel and Jackie Onassis described it as “Like paradise”.
On the big screen, it’s where Hugh Grant, posing as a reporter for Horse and Hounds, came to interview Julia Roberts in the film Notting Hill.
Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court
In the 1920s, Afternoon Tea taken at The Palm Court was as popular as it is today. The Ritz was the first hotel to allow young unmarried women to go unchaperoned.
They met their suitors surrounded by glittering chandeliers, marble floors, mirrored walls, nymphs, magnificent flower displays and palm trees, all adding to the experience of “tea-taking”.
Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is served on a silver cake stand
Choose Teas Selected by a Tea Sommelier
Today, The Ritz is the only hotel in the UK to have a certified Tea Sommelier.
He has travelled the world to source the 18 different loose-leaf teas that feature on the Afternoon Tea menu.
Try the exclusive Ritz Royal Blend Tea. Poured from a silver teapot, it is the perfect side-kick, along with a glass of Champagne, to the sweet and savoury delights on the cake stand.
Listen to the Music
With the resident pianist and harpist playing in the background, start slowly with the dainty finger sandwiches.
Take your time savouring the freshly baked scones served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Pause.
Then go for one last blast – the mouth-watering cakes and pastries.
- Don’t miss visiting royal grocer, Fortnum & Mason, a short walk from The Ritz. (Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason is also a good alternative choice).
- Browse the shops in Burlington Arcade including macaroon-maker, Ladurée, with its gold shop interior
- Combine Afternoon Tea at The Ritz with a view of the latest exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts
- Buy chocolates from Charbonnel & Walker in The Royal Arcade or book a Chocolate Tour of Mayfair
- Visit London’s oldest wine cellar at Berry Brothers on St. James Street
Mr Hendricks says, They tell me: “We welcome assistance and guide dogs within the hotel however; we do not allow any other pets.”
How to Find The Ritz Hotel London
The Ritz Hotel 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
The Ritz Hotel London
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.
Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
- A delicious selection of finger sandwiches
- Freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves
- Assortment of cakes and pastries
- A glass of Champagne
- Extensive selection of loose leaf teas
- Superb service in elegant surroundings
You May Also Like:
Find the Best Places to Stay in London
Take the guesswork out of where to stay in London with our hotel recommendations. From boutique hotels to pubs with rooms, these are the places to check out and then check in.
