The afternoon tea at The Ritz London is an iconic experience and one of the most sought-after tea services in the city. Below is a clear, practical review and helpful tips for planning your own visit to this classic luxury hotel.
The Ritz London
The Ritz London is often confused with the Ritz-Carlton, but they are distinct brands owned by different companies. The Ritz London is a standalone, historic hotel in the heart of the city and is famous for its traditional afternoon tea service.
Note from Jee
I had heard so many great things about the afternoon tea at The Ritz that I was excited to go, but reservations are extremely limited. I checked daily for two weeks before my trip and the sittings were fully booked. I finally secured a table by checking late the night before my flight. If you plan to visit, book as early as possible — slots fill quickly.
Reservations
Reservations are available online and should be made well in advance, especially for weekend or holiday dates. The Ritz offers a limited number of daily seatings, so early booking is essential to secure your preferred time.
Dress Code
The atmosphere at The Ritz is formal and elegant. Jeans, shorts, sneakers, and sportswear are not permitted. Men are required to wear a jacket and tie. Dressing smartly enhances the experience and matches the refined setting.
Afternoon Tea Hours
Afternoon tea is served every day with five fixed seating times: 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, and 7:30 PM. Each sitting typically lasts around an hour and a half, providing a well-paced and traditional tea service.
How Afternoon Tea Works at The Ritz London
The service follows a classic structure. After being seated, you choose a tea from the menu. Loose-leaf tea is served in silver teapots with strainers. Food arrives on a three-tiered stand: sandwiches on the middle tier, pastries on the top, and scones presented separately with clotted cream and jam. The correct order is to enjoy the sandwiches first, then the scones, and finish with the sweets. Tea and most food items are offered in generous portions and can be replenished during your sitting. At the end, a trolley of additional cakes is often offered for those who still have room.
Afternoon Tea Menu
Traditional Afternoon Tea
Approximately £81 for adults and £59 for children (prices may vary). The package typically includes unlimited tea, a selection of tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, assorted sweets, and cake. Menus and prices are subject to change, so check current details when booking.
Setting: ★★★★☆
The tea room sits just off the main lobby in an elegantly decorated space that evokes a Bridgerton-like charm. Tables are relatively close together and the layout can feel intimate rather than spacious. One pleasant detail is the live piano music, which adds to the refined atmosphere.
Service: ★★★★★
Service at The Ritz is exemplary. Staff wear traditional formal attire, including tailcoats, and the attention to detail is impressive. Servers are attentive, professional, and discreet, ensuring a polished tea experience.
Tea & Tea Selection: ★★★★★
The tea menu features around 20 varieties, all served loose with proper strainers. I enjoyed The Ritz Blend, a classic English breakfast, followed by a delicate oolong. Both were brewed expertly and complemented the food well.
Savories: ★★★★★
Each person receives six tea sandwiches on the shared three-tier stand. The sandwiches are freshly made with soft, high-quality bread. Flavors are balanced and refined — the egg mayo on brioche was a standout. Staff even brought an extra plate of sandwiches without us requesting it, which was a thoughtful touch.
Scones: ★★★★★
Scones are served warm, two per person, with rich clotted cream and strawberry jam. Portions are generous and the texture is satisfying. While excellent, preferences vary and some guests may prefer the scones at other London establishments.
Sweets: ★★★★★
The top tier offers three delicate pastries per person, beautifully presented and flavorful. An additional cake trolley is offered later in the service for guests who want more—an indulgent finale for those with room.
Overall: ★★★★★
The Ritz London delivers a quintessential, top-tier afternoon tea. From the refined setting and attentive service to the excellent tea selection and fresh pastries, it’s a memorable experience I would happily repeat. Book early and dress smartly to make the most of your visit.
LOCATION:
The Ritz London
150 Piccadilly, London
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