Afternoon Tea at The Ritz

Would afternoon tea everyday be too indulgent?
#3

Monday this week turned out to be a very special day.  It was the first time that my friend Michelle had taken afternoon tea at The Ritz. We took the trip with our mums, so it was a really girly day out.  The day was made better as it was the first, dry, warm sunny day we have had for weeks, which always makes walking in London much nicer.  As we were coming from different parts of the country we met outside of The Ritz.  Michelle had wanted to par take in afternoon tea at The Ritz for a long time, I had brought it as a present for her birthday, so it was so nice to be able to share that experience with her.

We met at the front of The Ritz and made our way to the entrance.  I do love being greeted by the doorman it's the start of the whole experience.  It was so lovely seeing Michelle's face as she made her way into the main entrance area.  The interiors are exquisite, I love the opulence of the decor, including the gold, marble and glass.  It's been a few years since I have been to The Ritz and I'd forgotten how gorgeous the surroundings make you feel.  The resident pianist plays opposite the Palm Room throughout the afternoon tea service.  Having now experienced afternoon tea at a few different venues including The Dorchester and the Hyatt, it is safe to say that I love taking afternoon tea.  I don't even need an excuse to enjoy this long time tradition.

Each venue approaches the tradition slightly differently, at The Ritz you are shown to your table, I had requested a table near to the stairs and this had been accommodated, and offered either tea or coffee.  I love the silver coffee pots and the milk jugs.  Tea is served properly, no tea bags here!  Once this is served the cake stand is brought out which includes a selection of finger sandwiches, cakes and pastries.  We were told that along with the selection of cakes on the stand, there would be scones, carrot cake and apple cake.  At this point I could see that Michelle was a little excited and who wouldn't be?!

Between pouring more coffee and tea, and eating sandwiches we caught up on what was happening in each others families.  It was lovely to have our mums there as it is not often that they get to see one another.  The waiter came checking on us periodically, just enough for us to remember he was there, but not enough to be distracting.  Our sandwiches were replenished by a waiter carrying a large tray and going around the room to each table.  We made sure though that we had enough room for the rest of the tea.

Next we tackled the scones, I'm not sure that they were handmade, but they were tasty.  We all remarked on how nice the jam was, you could really taste the fruit.

We were then served with either carrot cake or apple cake.  At this point Michelle declined, as she had her eye on one of the chocolate pastries.  I indulged in the carrot cake and it was very rich.

I would say that the cakes and pastries are not the best that I have experienced recently.  In fact I was a little under whelmed by them.  I thought the selection at the last two venues I have been too were a lot better.  I only tried one of these, as they didn't really appeal to me. I remember the selection being better the last time I visited.

Before we knew it our time had come to an end, but we were all quite satisfied and agreed that it had been lovely.  The service we received throughout was impeccable and everyone knew what role they had to play.   Traditional afternoon tea at The Ritz costs £42 per person, this is the most expensive of those I have tried.  I do think you are paying for the name and the surroundings, however, if you haven't been to The Ritz, then it is definitely worth a visit.  Having experienced The Ritz twice now, for me The Dorchester still pips it out of the three London hotels that I have tried.  I would say, for me, the Hyatt ranks higher than Claridges.

I'm so glad that I was able to experience this with Michelle and her mum, it made my return visit to The Ritz so special.  It is something I will remember for a long, long time.


Afternoon tea everyday.......I'd be happy to indulge!


For service, quality and value for money

LB rating 7/10


Lula Belle x