insideKENT Magazine Issue 75 - June 2018 | Page 97

LONDON
OPULENT WONDER, HISTORIC BRITISH CHARM, AND MOUTHWATERING DELIGHTS – TAKE THE
FINEST SLICE OF LIFE WITH
AFTERNOON TEA AT THE RITZ
by Samantha Ready
THERE IS NOTHING AS QUINTESSENTIALLY BRITISH AS AFTERNOON TEA, AND
NOWHERE QUITE AS ICONIC AS THE PALM COURT AT THE RITZ TO EXPERIENCE IT.
Putting aside the general happiness that comes
from tiny sandwich morsels, crumbly still-
warm scones heaped with jam and cream (or
cream and jam depending on your viewpoint),
and tempting sweet treats all washed down
with tea and more tea; this is grown up
sophistication,, bucket list ticking, excitement
overload in one easy day out.
I have to admit that I was just a little
apprehensive; the formality, the imposing
grandeur, the dress code (which actually was
a welcome excuse to shake off the ‘mum
uniform’ and slip into something more
glamorous!)…but fears were well and truly
allayed from the very first cockney twanged
‘good afternoon’ welcome, from the front of
house team that are as much a part of the
furniture as the 22 carat gold decor, ornate
mirrors and opulent chandeliers that lead the
way to the central Palm Court restaurant,
setting of the Ritz’s renowned afternoon tea.
The Palm Court really is the best of London
luxury and finesse but without the stuffiness.
At the helm is the same team behind the
Michelin starred restaurant, with all scones,
cakes and sandwiches made fresh every day
to the same impeccable standards.
Tables, which are set predominantly for two
with the odd group and family gathering, are
just as you would expect: crisp white linen,
silver cutlery and delicate blue flower patterned
china. Tea, of which there are 18 varieties of
loose leaf to choose from (albeit with the expert
guidance of the UK’s only resident Tea
Sommelier, Giandomenico Scanu), is served
in beautiful ornate silverware.
The air is filled with delightful tunes from Ian
Gomes, the resident pianist, whose brilliant
repertoire included a vast selection of
traditional and more contemporary offerings.
The swift change into Bruno Mars’ “I Think I
Wanna Marry You” following an unexpected
proposal at a neighbouring table was another
example of perfect subtle touches that
epitomise the Ritz experience.
Which of course reaches its pinnacle in the
mouth-watering array of afternoon tea fayre.
Classic British finger sandwiches – ham with
grain mustard mayonnaise on sliced brioche;
cheddar cheese with chutney on tomato
bread; cucumber with cream cheese; dill and
chives on granary bread; chicken breast,
horseradish cream on white bread; Scottish
smoked salmon with lemon butter on
sourdough bread and my new favourite, egg
mayonnaise with chopped shallots and
watercress on white bread – all of which were
unexpectedly replenished.
Next, freshly baked crumbly scones with
clotted cream and strawberry preserve and an
awe-inspiring selection of mini pastries and
tea cakes, beautifully presented and totally
delicious; my highlight was the mango and
passionfruit mousse with white chocolate.
And just when you think you couldn’t possibly
manage one more bite, the dessert trolley
makes its appearance with even more
tempting treats sliced and served at the table
– my idea of heaven!
This was one day out that provided memories
for a lifetime and I cannot implore you enough
to add this sweet treat experience to your
must-do list.
Afternoon Tea is served daily at 11.30am,
1.30pm, 3.30pm. 5.30pm and 7.30pm and
priced from £57 for adults and from £35 for
children.
The Ritz Hotel London
150 Piccadilly
St. James's
London
W1J 9BR
020 7300 2345
www.theritzlondon.com
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