Putting On The Ritz at Afternoon Tea

By Valerie Summers

The ornate surroundings of The Ritz Hotel London’s golden Palm Court, impeccable service, and delectable traditional delicacies complemented by an assortment of 17 selected teas provides the quintessential Afternoon Tea experience.

Afternoon Tea at the Ritz, an institution in itself, has been popular since the hotel opened in 1906. Sir Winston Churchill, King Edward VII, General De Gaulle, Noel Coward, Paul Getty, King Alfonso of Spain, the Aga Khan, President Eisenhower, Judy Garland and Charlie Chaplin have been among the hotel’s renowned clientele. A dress code, one of only few in London, continues to add to the refined and elegant ambience of The Palm Court. Resident pianist Ian Gomes enhances the experience by providing a background of soft music.

In keeping with the customs of traditional Afternoon Tea service, exclusively designed gold and pale green fine bone china is used. Tea is served in silver teapots with silver milk jugs and tea strainers. An elaborately filled three tiered stand offers guests freshly cut finger sandwiches including smoked salmon on brown bread, roast ham and cucumber and cream cheese. Satisfying their sweet tooth, guests nibble on just-baked scones with jam and clotted Devonshire cream along with a selection of afternoon tea cakes and cream cakes. Champagne is also available.

The Ritz London is a member of the Tea Council’s prestigious Tea Guild and holder of the Tea Council’s Top London Afternoon Tea Award and Award of Excellence. It is the only hotel to be awarded a Royal Warrant by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is served daily at four seatings with reservations required well in advance.

For more information, visit www.theritzlondon.com/tea

Valerie Summers is a travel writer based in Southern California. She publishes www.southerncaliforniaguide.com

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