The Ritz London

I visited The Ritz with a larger group of friends for afternoon tea. I was slightly nervous about going as I often feel out of place in "posh" establishments. I have to say though that the staff made every one of us feel so welcome and at home (laughable huh!). Our waiter was fantastic and explained everything and the afternoon tea itself was very nice. We had the loveliest time and all left wanting to return. A must-do for people in London or visiting. You won't be disappointed.

We ate in the Palm Court restaurant to celebrate our son receiving his Duke of Edinburgh Gold award from Edward, Duke of Wessex earlier in the day. We were not disappointed in any way right from the minute we stepped inside. The prices were reassuringly outrageous and expected, however you do receive a wonderful dining experience in return. Our food was sublime, the surroundings are wonderful and as we dined we were able to have conversation, whilst at the same time listening to a string quartet. A truly memorable experience all around.

I am fortunate enough to visit many of London’s finest hotels and restaurants. I breakfasted there with clients. Ignoring the richness of the hotel’s history, everything is simply done to perfection. The food was difficult to surpass. The unique aspect of a hotel of this quality is there is nothing that can’t be done for you. Many well known brands rest on their laurels, the Ritz has avoided this all too common pitfall.

We were lucky enough to be invited to a private dinner held in he Music Room. The dinner was introduced by their Executive Chef, John Williams. Everything about the evening was superb. The room is just beautiful, the staff were attentive and polite and the food was just glorious. I just wish I could afford to eat there every week! The starter was Fillet of Brill with grapes which just melted in the mouth. The Steak Tournedos were flavoured with black truffle. And to finish a pastry of Autumn Fruits. Each course was paired with a superb wine. Just an amazing evening.

We went for lunch as a family. The setting is amazing and the food was delicious. We were booked in at half 1 and had somewhere to be at half 4 but felt 3 hours for a 3 course lunch was plenty of time. It was not and we had to hurry them along. There was a 45 minute wait between ordering and our starters and nearly an hour between our starters and main. I understand its nice to take it slow and have a relaxed lunch but this was just far too slow. Also drinks are extortionate. The wine selection is brilliant but I had a Hendricks and tonic which was £20. The tonic is available in most places, as is Hendricks so I'm not sure how they can justify charging basically double to everywhere else. I did like the experience but I felt a little let down.