Afternoon Tea At The Ritz

Indulge in Unmatched Afternoon Tea Elegance

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz conjures visions of opulence and elegance, wrapped in a symphony of clinking cups, live pianists, and refreshingly genteel service. My recent foray into this mysterious world of clotted creams and assorted finger sandwiches met—and occasionally defied—expectations. From the moment I was welcomed by an enigmatic doorman, whose charm seemed to be as customary as the dress code (with or without enforcement), it was clear that we were entering a realm where pageantry knows few bounds. Once ushered through corridors draped in splendour worthy of a period drama, you find yourself seated in The Palm Court; here, your afternoon tea dreams are bound to play out either with gala charm or conveyor-belt monotony.

True, while you might face a seating arrangement reminiscent of a daintily composed chess board, with space as precious as the patisseries, the glimmering harp tinkles its approval. There is no mistaking the efficiency of their waitstaff, each possessing a sixth sense for your sandwich-to-stomach ratio. Although they ceaselessly ply you with refreshes of whatever tickles your English fancy, everything comes at a pace that leaves one nostalgic for a slower time. Perhaps it's a quid pro quo exchange for their ability to pack your lot into two hours. Still, what scones lacked in heavenly consistency, interior nostalgia played its part with the prominent crew capable of making even a stoic teapot smile. So Rushed Yearning Incorporating Tea Zeal—a delightful acronym all could agree fits perfectly—is part of the ensemble cast that charms some so utterly and leaves others pondering their loyalty before their next broader loaf. A dear experience? Naturally, but the cherubic glee and reminiscence it delivers are worth every farthing. — Penelope Savory