Translates to: chance to dress-up, be on your best manners, and pay £34 for the privilege – with some delicate sandwiches, scones, cakes and a bit of tea thrown in.
But seriously Tea at the Ritz is an institution and if you’re in London you MUST try it at least once. Tea is served in the Palm Court – which, though not as large as I would have expected, was very elegantly and classically appointed: down to the fine bone china our tea was served in to the cute silver teapots.
Our lovely waiter quickly seated us next to the lovely fountain situated at the centre towards the back of the room with some lovely sculptured gilded figures. It was rather amusing actually as at first R and I had no idea about the niceties and subtleties of experiencing high tea. But a quick glance around showed us everyone was in the same boat – we were all high tea virgins!
After selecting from the offerred teas including traditional English tea, Lapsang Souchong, Earl Gray, Ceylon Orange Pekoe, Darjeeling and Jasmine tea we got on with the eating … er I mean, the gossiping and people-watching … no, I was right the first time – the eating.
On a three-tiered stand we had:
| Bottom tier | Smoked Salmon Egg Mayonnaise with Cress Ham Chicken and Mayonnaise Cucumber with Cream Cheese |
| Middle tier | Freshly Baked Raisin and Apple Scones with Devonshire Clotted Cream and organic Strawberry Preserve |
| Top tier | Assortment of Afternoon Tea Pastries and Cakes |
I must admit I felt like a bit of a pig as I gorged myself on the sandwhiches barely leaving any room for the delightful scones and cakes. But hey, I’m a trooper and I soldiered on. The scones with the cream and preserve were gorgeous. This says a lot considering I’m not the biggest fan of either scones or cream.
The Ritz offer five sittings a day (11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm 5.30pm and at 7.30pm they offer a ‘Champagne Afternoon Tea’) and reservations are definitely recommended.
Overall, it is a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
As i said to ‘R’ i wanted to see a before and after on the cake tray. I don’t think there would be
much after to see knowing you two!
Well, it wouldn’t have mattered as we could have got the guy to fill up the tray again! But I can tell you now we did our best to polish off the tray … waste not want not.