Cost Of High Tea At The Ritz

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell you about an afternoon that'll make your eyes water - and no, it's not because I burned the toast. I'm talking about the time I found myself in the grand, the magnificent, the absolutely bonkers world of High Tea at the Ritz. Now, I know what you're thinking, "High Tea? Isn't that just a fancy way of saying 'expensive cup of tea'?" Well, buckle up, buttercups, because you're in for a ride.

First Things First: The Price Tag

Let's not beat around the bush here. High Tea at the Ritz isn't exactly what you'd call a 'bargain basement' affair. We're talking about a price tag that's higher than my monthly rent. Yes, you read that right. For the price of a small studio apartment in some cities, you could sit down to a spot of tea and some finger sandwiches. But hey, they say you get what you pay for, right?

Now, before you start thinking I've gone completely mad, let me just say that I didn't pay for this little adventure myself. No, no, I was the lucky recipient of a very generous gift voucher. So, you could say I was there on a 'complimentary' basis. But even with the price tag taken care of, I still felt like I should be wearing a top hat and monocle just to fit in.

Dress Code: Formal, But Not Too Formal

Speaking of fitting in, let's talk about the dress code. The Ritz website says 'smart casual', but I like to think of it as 'formal, but not so formal you can't enjoy your scones'. I mean, I've seen people turn up in full evening wear, and I've also seen people in jeans and a t-shirt. The latter were quickly ushered to a quiet corner, but still, it just goes to show - the Ritz is a place where anything goes. Well, almost anything.

I, for one, decided to go for a 'business casual' look. You know, the kind of thing you'd wear to a job interview where you really, really want the job. I figured if I looked like I belonged, maybe I'd start to feel like I belonged too. Spoiler alert: it didn't work.

Tea: The Star of the Show

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. The tea. The Ritz offers a selection that's longer than my Christmas shopping list. We're talking over 18 different types of tea, from the classic English Breakfast to the 'I can't even pronounce it' Pu-erh. I, being the brave soul that I am, decided to go for the 'Palm Court Blend'. It's their own special mix, and I figured if I was going to do this, I was going to do it properly.

The tea arrived in a silver teapot that looked like it had been polished within an inch of its life. The tea itself was poured from a great height - I'm talking at least a foot above the cup. I'm not sure why, but it seemed very important to the server. I caught a glimpse of the teapot's underside as it was poured, and I swear I saw a tiny face carved into the metal. I like to think it was the spirit of the tea, watching over its journey from pot to cup.

Afternoon Tea At The Ritz, ลอนดอน - รีวิวร้านอาหาร - Tripadvisor

Food: More Than Just Sandwiches

Alright, let's talk about the food. Now, I know what you're thinking. "It's just sandwiches, right? How good can they be?" Well, let me tell you, these aren't your average sandwiches. These are sandwiches that have been elevated to an art form. We're talking cucumber sandwiches so thin they're almost see-through. Smoked salmon sandwiches that taste like they've been caught, smoked, and prepared by mermaids. And the scones. Oh, the scones. They're so good, I'm pretty sure they're made from clouds and angels' tears.

And the best part? You can have as much as you want. I'm talking unlimited sandwiches, scones, cakes, the lot. I watched as a woman at the next table had seven - yes, seven - servings of sandwiches. She looked like she was in tea heaven. I, on the other hand, had three servings. I wanted to have more, but I was worried I'd explode. And trust me, there's no way to elegantly exit the Ritz when you've exploded.

Entertainment: More Than Just Background Music

Now, you might be thinking that High Tea at the Ritz is just a fancy way to spend an afternoon. And you'd be right. But it's also an opportunity to be entertained by some of the best musicians in the country. While you're eating, you're treated to a live performance by a pianist and a singer. They play everything from classical to show tunes, and they're so good, you'll forget you're there just to eat some sandwiches.

I, however, couldn't forget. I was too busy trying to figure out how to eat a cucumber sandwich elegantly. I mean, have you ever tried to eat something that's basically a piece of lettuce with some bread stuck to it? It's not easy, folks. But I gave it my best shot, and I like to think I succeeded. At least, until I saw a crumb fall onto my lap. Then I realized I was still very much a cucumber sandwich novice.

Tea In Ritz London at Margaret Meldrum blog

Surprising Facts: Because You Never Know

Alright, let's throw in some surprising facts to make you sound smart at your next dinner party. Did you know that High Tea at the Ritz was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II's mother? That's right, the Queen Mum was a regular. I like to think she was there for the scones. I mean, who could resist them?

And here's another one for you. The Ritz has its own in-house pastry chef who's been there for over 20 years. That's right, he's been making those delicious treats for longer than some of us have been alive. I like to think he's a pastry-making genius, but I also like to think he's a secret agent. I mean, who else could make cakes that taste that good?

So, Is It Worth It?

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Is High Tea at the Ritz worth the price tag? Well, that depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a fancy afternoon tea with more sandwiches than you can eat and entertainment that's better than your average coffee shop, then yes, it's worth it.

But if you're looking for a bargain, then maybe it's not the place for you. I mean, you could feed a small army with the price of one High Tea at the Ritz. But then again, where else are you going to find cucumber sandwiches that taste like they've been made by angels?

So, would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Would I pay for it myself? Well, that's a different story. But hey, if anyone wants to buy me a voucher for my birthday, I won't say no. Just don't be surprised if I turn up in a top hat and monocle. I mean, if I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it properly.