The afternoon tea at The Ritz London is one of the city’s most famous experiences. This review covers booking tips, the dress code, how the service is structured, the menu, and my impressions so you can decide if it’s right for you.
The Ritz London
Many people confuse The Ritz London with the Ritz-Carlton brand, but they are separate hotels under different ownership. There is no Ritz-Carlton in central London, so booking The Ritz London afternoon tea is straightforward once you know which property you want.
Note from Jee
The Ritz’s afternoon tea is iconic and consistently praised. Getting a reservation can be very difficult, so plan ahead: check availability as early as possible and be persistent. I checked daily for two weeks and only secured a table the night before my flight when a spot opened up. If The Ritz is your top choice, book as soon as you can or monitor cancellations closely.
Reservations
Reservations are available online through The Ritz’s official booking system. Because tables sell out quickly, especially for prime times and weekends, avoid leaving your booking until the last minute. If your dates are full, try checking for cancellations or shifting to an earlier or later seating.
Dress Code
The Ritz enforces a formal dress code. This is the most elegant afternoon tea I visited in London: jeans, shorts, sneakers, and sportswear are not allowed. Men are expected to wear a jacket and tie. Dress smartly to match the atmosphere and ensure entry.
Afternoon Tea Hours
Afternoon tea is served daily with five fixed seatings: 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, and 7:30pm. These set times structure service and help the hotel manage the dining room; plan your arrival and travel accordingly.
How Afternoon Tea Works at The Ritz London
Each seating lasts about an hour and a half. There is a single traditional afternoon tea offering: when seated you choose your tea from the menu and the procession of service begins. Tea arrives in silver teapots, served loose with silver strainers.
Food is presented on a three-tiered stand. The top tier holds desserts, the middle tier tea sandwiches, and a separate plate is brought later for scones accompanied by clotted cream and jam. A suggested order is to enjoy the savory sandwiches first, then the scones, and finish with the sweets. Tea and food are offered in generous portions and are effectively unlimited during the seating. Toward the end of service a trolley with additional cake options is often offered for slices if you still have room.
RELATED: Afternoon Tea Course Order (guide to the typical sequence of savories, scones, and sweets)
The Ritz London Afternoon Tea Menu
Traditional Afternoon Tea
£81 per adult and £59 per child (prices subject to change)
Includes unlimited tea, tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of sweets, and cake. Menu items and pricing may vary by season and can change without notice, so check the hotel’s current menu when booking.
Setting: ★★★★☆
The dining room sits just off the main lobby and feels very grand—think classic Regency style. The atmosphere evokes a Bridgerton-like elegance, enhanced by a live pianist. Tables are positioned fairly close together, and some layouts place two seats side-by-side facing the lobby, which may feel intimate for some guests.
Service: ★★★★★
Service at The Ritz is impeccably formal. Staff wear traditional tuxedos and tails, attend promptly, and manage the different elements of the meal with precision. The pace is attentive without being rushed, and staff anticipate needs such as tea refills and replacing plates.
Tea & Tea Selection: ★★★★★
The tea menu features around 20 loose-leaf selections, including The Ritz Blend (their English breakfast) and a variety of black, green, and oolong teas. Teas are brewed and served properly with silver strainers, and the quality is excellent. Sampling multiple varieties is encouraged to experience the range offered.
Savories: ★★★★★
The three-tier tray is intended for two guests, and each person receives six savory sandwiches to start. The sandwiches are freshly made on soft bread—standouts included a rich egg mayo on brioche. Midway through the meal, staff offered additional sandwiches without being asked, which felt generous and well-paced.
Scones: ★★★★★
Two scones per person are served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. The portions are satisfying and the cream is rich and well-made. While the scones were excellent, preferences vary—some guests prefer alternatives like those served at Fortnum & Mason.
Sweets: ★★★★★
The top tier is filled with finely crafted pastries—three per person—and each was flavorful and visually appealing. After the main selection, a dessert trolley with additional cakes is offered for slices, a welcome finishing touch for pastry lovers. Be prepared: the portions throughout the service are generous.
Overall: ★★★★★
The Ritz London delivers a classic, polished afternoon tea that lives up to its reputation. From the formal service and wide tea selection to the high-quality savories and sweets, it’s an experience worth the effort to book. I would happily return.
LOCATION:
The Ritz London
150 Piccadilly, London
Related
- Afternoon Teas in London, Ranked
- Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason in London
- How Afternoon Tea Works
- Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental London