HIGH TEA AT THE RITZ

I have to show everyone some of the scrumptious sweet treats I had a The Ritz high tea last week. I took my mum for her belated birthday gift. I'm a massive fan of high tea, not just the delicious tea and scones I enjoy the formality, the grand setting of an old hotel, the glorious British-ness of it all. It feels like you've gone back in time. A time when the service was impeccable, table manners meant elbows off the table, three sets of cutlery, ladies wore tea dresses and pearls, gents in suits, bone china, 3 tiered cake stands and a piano playing softly in the background. 
I admit my idea of this is slightly romantised as its mostly full of tourists nowadays, but sometimes you catch the lovely old dears, enjoying their tea and reminiscing of times gone by.

The Ritz is on the pricey end of the high tea scale, £50 per head for the champagne high tea. There is a dress code, although that only really means no jeans and trainers. You're seated in the Palm Court, an indoor garden, under the glass ceiling allowing the sunshine to light up the cream and gold room. The room is decorated with restored ornate gold fittings, wrought iron chandeliers, flowing gold drapes, vintage chairs with velvet cushions, water features and of course palms.

From the extensive tea menu I drank Earl Grey and ate freshly cut sandwiches with cucumber, chicken, salmon, cheddar and egg. Freshly made apple and raisin scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. A selection of sweets, ginger cake, macaroons, fruit tart and Ritz chocolate cake. My favourite was a plum jelly with a soft vanilla sponge centre decorated with gold leaf.

I booked 3 months in advance for 1.30pm on a Monday (bank holiday). Champagne high tea cost £50 per head. High Tea is £39. They can cater for a variety of dietary requirements.

Booking for High Tea can be done effortlessly online via the Ritz webite

The Ritz London
150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7493 8181
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7493 2687
Email enquire@theritzlondon.com



And most importantly dont forget to be puttin on the Ritz...


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