I visited The Ritz London for afternoon tea with my mum in 2023, and from the moment we entered the hotel, the experience felt like a special occasion. The luxurious surroundings, live music and attentive service created an elegant atmosphere, while the traditional selection of teas, finger sandwiches, warm scones and pastries gave us plenty to enjoy.
In this review, I share what we ate and drank, what the atmosphere and dress code were like, how much I paid at the time, and whether afternoon tea at The Ritz London is worth booking.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz London: Quick Overview
Location: 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR
Visited: 2023
What we had: Tea, finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, birthday cake and Champagne
Price I paid: Around £92 at the time of my visit
Current price: From £95 per adult and £73 per child as of October 2026
Dress code: Gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie; jeans and sportswear are not permitted
Best for: Birthdays, celebrations and a traditional luxury London experience
My verdict: Expensive, but memorable for the atmosphere, food, live music and service
The Afternoon Tea Menu: What I Tried
Tea and Sandwiches
The tea selection gave us plenty of choice, and I decided to try the passionfruit and orange tea. It had a pleasant balance of sweet and tangy flavours and worked especially well with the afternoon tea courses. The finger sandwiches tasted fresh and provided a good savoury contrast to the sweeter items.
Scones and Pastries
The freshly baked scones were one of my favourite parts of the experience, particularly with the clotted cream and strawberry preserve. The pastries and other sweet treats were beautifully presented and tasted just as good as they looked. The food felt traditional, refined and suitable for such an elegant setting.
What Were the Atmosphere and Service Like?
The yellow and gold interior felt grand, warm and unmistakably luxurious. Live harp and piano music added to the sense of occasion without making the room feel too formal. The service was attentive throughout, and the birthday cake presented to us was a thoughtful surprise that made the afternoon feel even more special.
Our sitting lasted around 90 minutes at the time of my visit. It passed quickly because there was so much to enjoy, although we were able to take home the sweet treats we could not finish. Sitting times and arrangements can change, so check the current booking information before visiting.
How Much Did Afternoon Tea at The Ritz Cost?
At the end of our afternoon tea, we added a glass of Champagne, which made the celebration feel even more special. I paid around £92 for the experience at the time of my 2023 visit. Prices have since changed, so use the current price in the quick overview above and check The Ritz website before booking.
I also bought The Ritz cookbook as a souvenir. It was a lovely way to take a small part of the experience home and revisit some of the flavours and presentation that made the afternoon memorable.
Is Afternoon Tea at The Ritz London Worth It?
Based on my experience, afternoon tea at The Ritz is worth considering for a birthday, anniversary or another special occasion. It is expensive, but the price covers more than the food: the luxurious surroundings, live music, attentive service and traditional presentation all contribute to the experience.
I would not choose it for a casual afternoon tea, but I would recommend it to someone who wants a memorable and unmistakably British luxury experience in London.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz London FAQs
How much is afternoon tea at The Ritz London?
As of October 2026, traditional afternoon tea starts from £95 per adult and £73 per child. I paid around £92 during my 2023 visit, so always check the official website for the latest prices before booking.
What is the dress code for afternoon tea at The Ritz?
Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie. Jeans and sportswear are not permitted for ladies or gentlemen. Children under 16 are not required to follow the standard afternoon tea dress code.
What is included in afternoon tea at The Ritz?
The traditional experience includes a selection of loose-leaf teas, finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, pastries and cakes. Champagne options are also available.
Does The Ritz offer vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free afternoon tea?
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus are available when requested in advance. Tell The Ritz about dietary requirements before your visit rather than waiting until the day.
Is afternoon tea at The Ritz suitable for a special occasion?
Yes. The luxurious surroundings, live music, attentive service and traditional presentation make it particularly suitable for birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations.
More Luxury Food Experiences in London
If you enjoy elegant pastries and special-occasion dining, read my Angelo Musa at Harrods review for another luxury London food experience.
Try Afternoon Tea on the River Thames
The Ritz offers a traditional luxury hotel experience, but you can also combine afternoon tea with sightseeing on the River Thames. This 1.5-hour cruise includes sandwiches, scones, cakes, unlimited tea or coffee and views of London’s riverside landmarks.
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Check availability for the London afternoon tea cruise
