Afternoon tea at The Ritz is an iconic experience that combines elegance, tradition, and indulgence. Priced at £79 for adults and £57 for children, this luxurious treat includes a delightful array of sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a choice of exquisite teas.
If you’re curious about how much is afternoon tea at The Ritz and what makes it so special, read on to discover more about booking, dietary options, and special enhancements that elevate this quintessentially British tradition.
What’s Included in Your Afternoon Tea Experience?
Afternoon tea at The Ritz begins with a selection of finely sliced sandwiches, including cucumber with cream cheese, smoked salmon with lemon butter, and roast ham with grain mustard on freshly baked bread. These sandwiches are replenished on request, ensuring you can enjoy your favourites to your heart’s content.
Freshly baked scones are a highlight of the experience, served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve. These warm, crumbly delights are ideal for layering with cream and jam, offering a taste of tradition in every bite.
The Ritz offers an extraordinary selection of up to 20 loose leaf tea options, catering to every palate with choices ranging from classic Earl Grey to more exotic blends. You can choose your preferred tea, and the attentive staff are always on hand to guide you through the selection process, ensuring you find the perfect match for your taste.
To complete your afternoon tea in London experience, an array of delicate pastries and cakes is presented. These sweet treats are crafted with precision and artistry, featuring flavors that change with the seasons. For example, you might indulge in a rich chocolate éclair, a zesty lemon tart, or a delicate fruit macaron, each one a testament to the skill of The Ritz’s pastry chefs.
An example of a traditional afternoon tea setup at The Ritz would include a tiered stand elegantly arranged with these offerings. On the bottom tier, you would find the assortment of sandwiches, while the middle tier showcases the freshly baked scones. The top tier is reserved for the exquisite pastries and cakes, providing a visual feast that is as delightful as the flavors themselves.
This carefully curated selection not only highlights the best of British culinary tradition, but also provides a luxurious and memorable experience, making afternoon tea at The Ritz a must-try for anyone visiting London.
Seasonal Specials and Themed Teas
The Ritz London is renowned for its seasonal specials and themed teas, offering guests a unique twist on the traditional afternoon tea experience. These themed events are a delightful way to celebrate various occasions throughout the year. For instance, during Valentine’s Day, the Palm Court is adorned with romantic decorations, and the menu features heart-shaped pastries and other love-themed treats, perfect for a romantic afternoon with a loved one.
As the festive season approaches, The Ritz transforms into a winter wonderland, with its Christmas-themed afternoon tea. Guests are treated to a beautifully decorated setting, complete with a giant Christmas tree and twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The menu includes festive favourites, such as mince pies, gingerbread, and a selection of holiday-inspired teas.
In addition to these, The Ritz also hosts themed teas for Easter, Halloween, and other notable events, each offering a distinct menu and decor that celebrates the essence of the occasion. These special offerings are not only a feast for the palate, but also a visual delight, making them a favourite among guests who enjoy a themed experience.
Whether it’s welcoming in the season with a Valentine’s Day tea or celebrating the holidays with a Christmas-themed spread, these special offerings are a delight. They provide an opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea in a new and exciting way, ensuring that each visit to The Ritz is a memorable one, filled with seasonal charm and culinary excellence.
Afternoon Tea Prices at The Ritz
Afternoon tea at The Ritz starts at £79 for adults and £57 for children. This price covers finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, pastries and cakes, and up to 20 different loose-leaf teas.
The Ritz accommodates various dietary requirements, offering vegan and gluten-free options. These special requests might influence the pricing but ensure everyone can enjoy this quintessentially British experience.
In addition to the exquisite offerings, guests can also choose to enhance their afternoon tea experience with a glass of Champagne, starting at £23. This luxurious edition allows you to toast to the occasion in style, making any visit to The Ritz even more memorable.
For those celebrating special events, The Ritz provides the option to include a celebration cake, available in two sizes—4 inches for £30 and 6 inches for £48. These cakes add a festive touch to the afternoon, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any significant milestone.
The Ritz London is known not only for its exceptional service and elegant ambiance but also for its seasonal specials and themed teas. These unique offerings provide a delightful twist on the traditional afternoon tea, making each visit a new adventure. Whether it’s a Valentine’s Day tea or a Christmas-themed spread, these special menus are sure to impress and delight.
With its rich history and timeless elegance, afternoon tea at The Ritz is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. From the moment you step into the opulent Palm Court to the last sip of your chosen tea, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned guest, the afternoon tea at The Ritz is an iconic tradition that continues to captivate and charm all who partake.
Booking Your Afternoon Tea
Booking afternoon tea at The Ritz is straightforward, but requires planning ahead. Reservations can be made by calling +44 (0) 20 7300 2345 or through their website, and it’s advisable to book well in advance due to high demand, especially on weekends and holidays.
When reserving, provide details like the preferred date, time, and the number of guests. Mention any special dietary required to tailor the experience to your needs.
After booking, a confirmation email with all your reservation information will be sent. This email serves as your ticket to a world of luxury and indulgence, so keep it handy.
Dress Code and Dining Etiquette
The Ritz London enforces a strict dress code for afternoon tea, requiring gentlemen to wear jackets and ties. Jeans, sportswear, or trainers are discouraged. This tradition, rooted in the Victorian era, adds historical charm to the experience.
Following the dress code respects the venue’s traditions and enhances the overall ambiance, contributing to the timeless elegance of tea at The Ritz.
Dressing appropriately is part of the unique charm that makes the afternoon tea experience at The Ritz so special. The elegance of the Palm Court, with its opulent décor and refined atmosphere, is complemented by guests who adhere to the dress code, creating a sophisticated environment reminiscent of a bygone era.
For those unfamiliar with formal dining etiquette, it’s important to follow a few basic guidelines to ensure a pleasant experience for all. Guests should remember to keep mobile phones on silent, speak softly to maintain the serene atmosphere, and avoid using strong perfumes that might interfere with the delicate aromas of the tea and food.
Understanding the sequence of service can also enhance your experience. Afternoon tea typically begins with sandwiches, followed by scones, and concludes with pastries and cakes. It’s customary to eat the scones by breaking them in half with your hands, rather than cutting them with a knife, before spreading them with clotted cream and strawberry preserve.
By embracing these customs, guests not only honour the rich heritage of The Ritz but also immerse themselves in an afternoon of elegance and refinement, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Entertainment During Afternoon Tea
Live music accompanies afternoon tea at The Ritz, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere. From Monday to Friday, a resident pianist performs throughout the day, creating a soothing backdrop. On weekends, guests are treated to the melodious tunes of a harpist, adding a touch of elegance to the experience.
For evening sittings, a delightful trio consisting of a piano, cello, and violin often graces the Palm Court, providing a symphonic accompaniment to the refined setting. This carefully curated musical selection not only elevates the ambiance but also complements the luxurious surroundings, making each visit to The Ritz a truly immersive experience.
The harmonious blend of classical melodies with the timeless tradition of afternoon tea ensures that guests are enveloped in an atmosphere of sophistication and charm, enhancing the overall enjoyment of this quintessentially British pastime.
Sittings Schedule
Afternoon tea at The Ritz is served at set times: 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, and 7.30pm, ensuring each sitting is relaxed and enjoyable. These carefully timed sittings allow guests to savor their experience without feeling rushed, providing ample time to enjoy the exquisite offerings and elegant surroundings.
Selecting the right time can enhance your experience, so choose the site time slot that offers a unique ambiance and atmosphere. Whether you prefer an early morning tea to start your day with elegance or a late afternoon session to unwind, each time slot offers its own charm. The earlier sittings may provide a quieter, more intimate setting, while later sittings can be livelier, perfect for socialising and celebrating special occasions.
Furthermore, the ambiance in Palm Court, where afternoon tea is served, changes subtly throughout the day, with natural light streaming through during the earlier sittings and a more romantic, candlelit atmosphere in the evening. This attention to detail ensures that no matter the time, your afternoon tea experience at The Ritz is nothing short of magical.
Summary
In summary, afternoon tea at The Ritz offers a unique blend of tradition, luxury, and indulgence. From the finely cut sandwiches and freshly baked scones to the enchanting live music, every detail is designed to create an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a timeless tradition, afternoon tea at The Ritz is an experience worth every penny. Don’t miss the chance to create lasting memories in one of London’s most iconic settings.
