Putting on the Ritz

By Donna Richardson

One of the finest British traditions is to take afternoon tea and there is no finer place to indulge in this pastime than at one of the most famous hotels in the world. This is a classy establishment where high society rub shoulders with the great and the good rub within the refined backdrop for an ultimate soiree. Of course, there is a strict dress code for such an exclusive venue. As lovers stroll hand in hand down Piccadilly, dressed in their finest, the hotel’s name appears before them lit up in lights. You have arrived at the fanciest address in town as you climb the steps anticipation hits the roof. You just know it is going to be an unforgettable experience. Afternoon or High Tea with champagne at the Ritz is about as fancy as it gets.

Putting on the Ritz in fine company

From the moment the doors to the Ritz are opened by the smart doorman dressed in tops and tails, high-flying guests are transported to another world where class and luxury combine for a refined experience. Visitors tread the ornate red-carpet following in the footsteps of royalty, former Prime Ministers and rock stars. Everyone from the Queen to Mick Jagger has taken tea at the Ritz, so choosing this venue places one in fine company. 
Even as you enter the lobby, surrounded by marble columns, crystal chandeliers and fine furniture you feel incredibly honoured and it continues to astound.

Guests are led through to the Rivoli bar, past a pianist playing delicate melodies, and amongst the opulence, there is a regal air. This is the first ingredient to ensure your visit to The Ritz, is quite simply, unforgettable. Here one can sip on champagne or an extravagantly priced whiskey while waiting to be called for their Afternoon Tea, served in Palm Court further down the hallway. Beyond that is the Ritz restaurant for those staying for dinner. 

History

The Ritz hotel was built in 1906, a grade II listed five-star hotel in Piccadilly, Mayfair, close to Buckingham Palace. With high ceilings, marble arches, the Ritz is a symbol of high society. Here guests will find grandeur on a stellar scale in one of the most luxurious and best-known hotels in the world. Conceived by Cezar Ritz, no expense was spared on the opulent interiors and lavish furnishings.
Sir Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, and Charles de Gaulle all met in the Marie Antoinette suite to discuss operations during the Second World War. Charlie Chaplin required 40 officers to escort him through his fans into the hotel in 1921 and Jackie Onassis, former wife of President J. F Kennedy described the Ritz as ‘like paradise.”

Enjoying the moment

Indulge in a slice of one of the finest British traditions at this exclusive address in central London- Afternoon Tea. Balance exquisite finely cut sandwiches between your fingers before spreading on the finest preserves and cream on scones or sampling delectable pastries at Palm Court. The Ritz London has an exclusive certified tea sommelier, Giandomenico Scanu who serves over 18 different types of loose-leaf tea. Alternatively guests can ask for a glass of Champagne to add some extra sparkle to the occasion. As lovers gaze into each others eyes, the glittering chandeliers and elegant mirrors reflect their love and shine a spotlight on such an occasion, adding light and stylish flourish to the room.

The suites 
Bedrooms at The Ritz London combine stunning period architecture and antique furnishings with modern amenities. Decorated in warm colours, they feature high ceilings, ornate fireplaces and chandeliers. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature iPod docks and elegant bathrooms with designer toiletries. Guests can stay in a glamorous guestroom where a bottle of chilled Barons de Rothschild’s Ritz champagne awaits to toast a special occasion. Thereafter, it is time to “put on the Ritz”, dress to impress and venture to the stunning Palm Court to enjoy the legendary Afternoon Tea at The Ritz, a quintessentially British experience and an institution in itself. The following morning guests can indulge in English breakfast in the magnificent Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant, often described as ‘the most beautiful dining room in the world’.

Dining
In its Michelin-starred Ritz restaurant, John Williams MBE is charged with creating magnificent meals using the finest British ingredients. Dine under sparkling chandeliers, marvel at the towering marble columns and gaze out of the soaring windows that overlook the calm oasis of Green Park. Epicureans are in fine company here. If its walls could speak they would regale in tales of meetings with Prime Ministers Sir Edward Heath and Harold Macmillan who regularly frequented the Ritz to discuss important matters. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother regularly dined at the Ritz and her favourite song to be played on the piano was ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.” And in 2002 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II hosted a party for Prince Charles 54th birthday in the Ritz restaurant followed by another event for her own 80th birthday in 2006.

‘Putting on the Ritz’ and following in the footsteps of the Queen and Prince Charles, prime ministers, presidents and rock royalty is a momentous occasion. Those who have been lucky to sip champagne under the chandeliers while listening to the wonderful music will never forget it. Sitting in the lobby sipping champagne next to the gilded Palm Court and feeling this hotel’s magnificent presence with the one I love was certainly one of the most magical moments of my life that I will remember as long as I live.