It was about a month before my Aunty’s birthday that we bought her a voucher for tea for two at The Ritz. I was sure that we would be able to get in for her special day with that much notice. I was wrong. It was actually three months later that we got our reservation, and there was only two choices left for that date: 11:30am and 7:30pm (they do five sittings a day). So, we took the 11:30. So first thing I need to say, is that if you plan to pay a tea time visit, book early, super early!
Of course, The Ritz is an absolute London institution, and so is the idea of afternoon tea. I’ll be quite honest, I don’t think anyone seriously takes afternoon tea in this country anymore … at least not to this standard. I think its more of a show for tourists and for those looking for a fun eating experience. I am pretty sure its just of a relic from a bygone era. Still, I am sure you know by now though, I’m not going to let something as silly as authenticity from keeping me from eating little cakes and scones!
Tea is served in the Palm Court, which is an absolutely incredible room in the centre of the ground floor of the hotel. Really, I feel that it is sitting in his room alone, that makes taking tea here the experience that it is. It is a very bright and airy room with the most beautiful gilt and glass ceiling. It is total ostentation, and while sitting there, you cant help but feel just the slightest bit Marie Antoinette as you eat your delicate little whatnots and are serenaded by a harpist!
After you sit down, you are presented with the tea menu. We chose English Breakfast, which is one of the stronger types of tea, but if you take your tea the English way, with milk and sugar, it tastes just right. Next came the three tiered tray of tea time delights.
Top tier: Assorted Petit Fours
This one is known as “The Ritz Chocolate Cake.”
Middle Tier: Scones and a strong flavoured fruit cake which I didn’t care for.
Bottom tier: Assorted finger sandwiches.
The assorted petit fours were colorful and varied. In all honesty, nothing stuck out as being particularly amazing, but they were all enjoyable, and they were certainly a treat for the eye. If I had to pick the best of these, I would choose the Ritz Chocolate Cake. It was very chocolatey, dense, and rich. Likewise, the little finger sandwiches were pleasant, but certainly not extraordinary. The assortment consisted of cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon, hummus, and cheese and sun-dried tomatoes (among others). What stood out the most were the scones. Why? Well for one thing, you get them fresh out of the oven, still hot. That’s pretty unusual. The Ritz scones had a texture unlike any I’ve tried before (and I’ve had my share, check out my thighs). This was much softer and more airy than the traditional crumbly scone. I definitely enjoyed those, and if truth be told, I helped myself to quite a few. This is served with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserves. Ah, I do love clotted cream. Just to give you a hint of its wondrousness, let me just impart this information– its even more fatty than butter!!! Strawberry jam is surely its ultimate complement. It gives it a sweet little tang 
. Eating good scones and clotted cream with jam must be like being kissed by a deliriously gorgeous movie star (but I must admit, in my old age I would surely choose the scones).
. Eating good scones and clotted cream with jam must be like being kissed by a deliriously gorgeous movie star (but I must admit, in my old age I would surely choose the scones).So, what does all this cost? Its not cheap. Traditional afternoon tea is £37 per person. But let me say this: what is life without some treats here and there (and there)? I will also say that for this £37, they are not cheap with the portions. You can have more of anything you like. More scones, more sandwiches, more tea, anything (which, of course, I did). When you leave, you feel satisfied, if not full, and you leave happy, thinking “hey, I ate at The Ritz.” Having tea here is something that you will always remember, and to me, experiences like this are worth paying for(so long as you don’t have to sell a kidney or something).
