The Ritz London

We had booked afternoon tea for a birthday treat. Having received email reiterating dress code and asking about allergies and any celebrations which we answered was looking forward to being made to feel special!! We arrived and no one greeted us or others just standing around, we wandered around and found a member of staff who directed us back up to an area opposite entrance and told us to stand at bottom of stairs, only three steps up to table area, all open plan, lots of other people standing around whilst clearing and resetting for next sitting. We were not early but in other places we have been greeted and sat in a waiting area. A waiter came down to the steps looked passed us and asked the people behind if they required help, they were looking for the restaurant. A lady finally came over and we asked if we should wait or go sit somewhere, we were told to wait and would be seated. When we were service was fine and Brian was kind and helpful but team seemed under pressure and stretched. I'm not sure why we were asked in email if we were there for a special occasion as no mention was made, in other places they do a token treat but here they charge for a cake, lots of smaller ones were bought out after the larger ones, not sure if they charge for all or we were just forgotten but for price surely a small token gesture as other places do wouldn't of hurt. We were over all underwhelmed and disappointed.

I had a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list experience having afternoon tea at The Ritz this past weekend. The tea room was absolutely stunning, the service impeccable, and every bite and sip was delicious. The entire experience exceeded my expectations in every way. What left the deepest impression, however, was thanks to Scott, the doorman. As a solo traveler in London for the first time, I felt a little out of my element. When I stepped outside and began ordering an Uber, Scott noticed right away and kindly came over to help. He guided me in setting the exact pickup location on my phone, stayed with me while I waited, and when the car didn’t arrive directly at the hotel, he walked across busy Piccadilly, found my driver, and then safely escorted me across the street and into the car. As I drove off, he gave a warm wave goodbye. I didn’t know this level of service still existed. The Ritz is incredibly fortunate to have someone like Scott representing them. His attentiveness and kindness turned a beautiful afternoon into an unforgettable one.

Just back from lunch at The Ritz. It was a delicious lunch, all beautifully prepared and presented. Every member of staff went out of their way to be professional and courteous but the outstanding members of staff for me today were Anna and Darlington Dan. Anna selected a perfect wine based on preferences and Dan made our birthday treat very special. Dan was very professional as well as delightful and very patient.

What a experience my husband and I went for afternoon tea for my birthday we were so impressed such a magical place the place is stunning such great service a birthday I will never forget such a beautiful atmosphere everyone was having a great time

Second visit to The Ritz for afternoon tea. It didn’t disappoint. From the sandwiches to the pastries and scones everything was very lovely. Staff were attentive and welcoming. Would highly recommend. Celebrating 60th birthdays myself and friend were gifted a wonderful small birthday cake between us that was delicious. There were however big differences between our first and second visit here which we couldn’t help but notice. First visit was at Christmas a few years ago, and there were less tables/people seated during the allocated time. With so many people this time, the staff were not so quick to attend tables to pour tea, top up tea pots (which ours had gone tepid before being changed), plates/cutlery etc. They also didn’t table vacuum any small crumbs, as before. Last time the warm scones were wrapped in a white linen napkin, not this time. We also got served tea in a teapot that the lid didn’t fully shut. This was noted by the waiter, but wasn’t removed and a new pot returned. But overall the whole experience was rather lovely and we would certainly return again. It was a very memorable experience to have celebrated our special birthdays in such opulent surroundings. We both thoroughly enjoyed our visit.