I honestly cannot think of a more iconic British tradition than afternoon tea at The Ritz. As expected it is incredibly popular so it is essential to make a booking well in advance particulary for weekend slots and December. Due to the event's favour I had anticipated it to have become commercial and almost like a conveyor belt of people arriving and leaving, however, I can confirm that I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that The Ritz have very much managed to retain the magic of their afternoon tea.
Mum and I had booked for a Saturday at 1.30pm and arrived a little early which allowed us to roam The Ritz's beautiful halls savouring the lavish interiors. At 1.30pm we were guided to our table and we settled in to the Palm Court, most beautiful room in which the afternoon tea was being served.
We perused the extensive tea menu and were served our choice by a gentleman dressed in a morning suit. The tea was quickly followed up by a wide range of finger sandwiches and the most delicate of patisseries. The scones arrived (both plain and fruit) after we had eaten our fill of sandwiches so that they came fresh and slightly warm to the table.
The afternoon tea is plentiful and you should arrive with an appetite as they will replenish the sandwiches, scones and patisserie as many times as you wish. Half way through our afternoon tea, the dessert trolleys made their way through the Palm Court serving the most delcious orange drizzle sponge and chocolate gateaux.
A seating for afternoon tea lasts two and a half hours and time passed incredibly quickly as mum and I chatted and people watched the afternoon away. Towards the end of our tea, the remaining scones and patisseries were brought away and packaged in beautifully branded boxes allowing us to take a little bit of The Ritz home with us to enjoy later that evening!
I would highly recommend afternoon tea at The Ritz, the professionalism, service and quality of produce are all incredible and they have successfully managed to retain that unique and exceptional atmosphere that you would hope to experience at one of the world's most iconic hotels.
Charlotte xoxo