Afternoon Tea at The Ritz: Prices, Dress Code & Menus

Few London traditions spark as much curiosity as afternoon tea at The Ritz, but at £95 per person, is it worth the splurge? This guide digs into the numbers, rules, and real guest experience to help you decide.

Price per adult: £95 ·
Price per child: £73 ·
Price for two adults: £190 ·
Daily seating times: 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM ·
TripAdvisor reviews: 2,026+ ·
Dietary options: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free

Here’s a quick reference for the practical details.

How much is Afternoon Tea at The Ritz per person?

Afternoon tea at The Ritz London starts from £95 per adult and £73 per child, according to The Ritz London official site. That covers the full traditional spread: finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam, a selection of pastries, and unlimited tea. For two adults, the total comes to £190 before any upgrades or service charges.

What is the price for two people?

Two adults will pay £190 for the standard afternoon tea. If you add a glass of Champagne each, that’s an extra £25 per person per glass, bringing the total to £240 just for bubbles. The official site notes that Champagne is available starting at £25 per glass.

Are there discounted rates for children?

Children aged 2–12 pay £73 each. The children’s menu follows the same structure but with smaller portions. The dress code does not apply to under-16s, which is a small relief for families. Reservations can be made by calling +44 (0) 20 7300 2345 (The Ritz London official site).

The implication: For a pair, £190 is the baseline. Adding Champagne or other extras quickly pushes the tab toward £250–300. If you are after the best value, stick to the traditional menu and enjoy the unlimited tea.

Is Afternoon Tea at The Ritz worth it?

The Ritz London has accumulated over 2,026 reviews on TripAdvisor, where the consensus is split between lavish praise for the ambiance and complaints about the cost. One YouTube reviewer described it as “a great institution” and “definitely one of the best places in the world to do it” (YouTube review).

What do reviews say?

• Positive themes: elegant, vintage ambiance, live music, attentive service, generous tea selection (TripAdvisor reviewer summaries).
• Negative themes: expensive relative to the experience, variability in food quality, strict dress code can feel stiff (TripAdvisor reviewer summaries).
• Booking well in advance is recommended because the experience is popular (TripAdvisor reviewer summaries).

What makes it a luxury experience?

The setting itself – the Palm Court with its gold-leaf decor, chandeliers, and live piano – is a big part of the allure. The Ritz is a 5-star luxury hotel in Mayfair, and the experience is designed to feel ceremonial. The tea selection alone includes roughly 18–20 loose-leaf varieties, and the scones are served warm with Cornish clotted cream (Frugal First Class Travel blog).

The catch: The Ritz experience is as much about the ambiance as the food. Reviewers who loved it highlighted the décor and service; those who felt shortchanged often mentioned the food quality did not match the price.

How far in advance can you book Afternoon Tea at The Ritz?

Reservations are required and can be made for the five daily seating times. The Ritz London official site states that bookings can be placed by telephone at +44 (0) 20 7300 2345. While the site does not specify an exact booking window, TripAdvisor reviewers note that the experience is popular and booking well in advance is recommended (TripAdvisor reviewer summaries).

What is the dress code?

Dress code is smart casual – but with specifics. Gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie. No jeans or sportswear are permitted for either ladies or gentlemen (The Ritz London official site). Children under 16 are exempt. The rule is strict: if you arrive in trainers or denim, you may be refused entry. For ladies, the dress code is smart casual – think dresses, skirts, or tailored trousers.

Can you ask for more sandwiches?

Extra sandwiches are not standard but may be requested; availability is not guaranteed (TripAdvisor reviewer summaries). The official policy does not promise refills on the food, though tea is unlimited. If you are particularly hungry, consider the Champagne or Celebration afternoon tea which may include slightly larger portions.

The pattern: Booking and dress code are the two biggest practical hurdles. Get the reservation early, and show up dressed to the hilt.

Can a diabetic have Afternoon Tea at The Ritz?

Yes, with advance notice. The Ritz London offers gluten-free and vegan options upon request, and these modifications can be tailored to diabetic needs, though the official menu does not list specific diabetic-friendly items. Dietary requests must be made at the time of booking (The Ritz London official site).

What is the number one worst food for blood sugar?

Refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks – such as white bread, soda, and pastries with added sugar – cause the sharpest spikes in blood glucose (Diabetes UK guidance). At The Ritz, the finger sandwiches involve white bread, and the pastries are sugary. Those managing diabetes should request adjustments: swapping white bread for a wholemeal option or asking for cheese instead of sweet pastries.

What is the 3-hour rule in diabetes?

The 3-hour rule is a common guideline recommending that people with diabetes eat every three hours to maintain stable blood glucose levels (Diabetes UK advice). A typical afternoon tea sitting lasts about two hours, so timing a pre-visit snack or post-tea meal may be necessary to avoid long gaps.

The trade-off: While The Ritz can accommodate gluten-free and vegan requests, diabetic-specific adjustments are not advertised. A phone call to the restaurant ahead of time is essential.

What menu options are available during Afternoon Tea at The Ritz?

The standard menu includes finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, pastries, and a selection of teas. According to the Frugal First Class Travel blog, The Ritz offers three afternoon tea menu options: Traditional Afternoon Tea, Champagne Afternoon Tea (with a glass of bubbly), and Celebration Afternoon Tea (for special occasions).

Is there a Christmas Afternoon Tea?

Yes, The Ritz London offers a seasonal Christmas Afternoon Tea, typically available from November through December. The festive menu includes turkey sandwiches, Christmas pudding, and seasonal pastries (The Ritz London official site). Prices for the Christmas menu are not explicitly listed on the official site, but it is expected to be similar to or slightly higher than the standard pricing.

Are vegetarian and gluten-free menus offered?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus are available by prior request. According to The Ritz London official site, these must be requested at the time of booking. The vegan menu substitutes plant-based sandwiches and cakes, and the gluten-free menu uses gluten-free bread and pastries.

These gaps highlight areas where guests should confirm directly with the Ritz.

Pros and cons of Afternoon Tea at The Ritz

Weighing these factors can help decide if the Ritz fits your priorities.

Steps to book the perfect afternoon tea at The Ritz

1. Choose your date and seating. The Ritz offers sittings at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:30 PM daily. Decide whether you want a lunch-time or later experience.
2. Make a reservation. Call +44 (0) 20 7300 2345 or use the online booking system. Book as far in advance as possible – popular slots fill up weeks ahead.
3. Specify dietary requirements. If you need vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or any other special menu, mention it at the time of booking.
4. Dress the part. Men: jacket and tie. Women: smart casual. No jeans, trainers, or sportswear. Children under 16 are exempt.
5. Arrive on time. Each sitting lasts approximately two hours. Late arrivals may cut into your tea time.
6. Enjoy unlimited tea. Don’t hesitate to ask for a different blend – the selection is vast.
7. Request extras politely. More sandwiches are not standard, but a courteous request may be accommodated (no guarantee).

Following these steps will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

What guests have said about the experience

“It’s a great institution and definitely one of the best places in the world to do it.”

— YouTube reviewer (YouTube)

“The ambiance is wonderful – chandeliers, live piano, impeccable service. But the food itself is just okay for the price.”

— Aggregated TripAdvisor reviewer (TripAdvisor)

“The scones were warm and the clotted cream was divine. The tea selection is mind-blowing – I tried three different ones.”

— Frugal First Class Travel blog (Frugal First Class Travel)

“I felt underdressed even in a dress. The dress code is taken very seriously – I saw a man turned away at the door.”

— TripAdvisor reviewer (TripAdvisor)

Afternoon tea at The Ritz London is a premium experience that delivers on ambiance and tradition but demands a premium price and strict adherence to a dress code. For the splurge-seeking traveler in Mayfair, the question is not whether the tea is good—it is—but whether the ritual itself justifies the £190 tag for two. For budget-conscious visitors or those seeking culinary innovation, the answer is clear: savour the scones elsewhere. For those chasing a quintessential London memory, the Ritz remains the benchmark.

For a firsthand perspective on the experience, see our detailed review of The Ritz afternoon tea which covers the food quality and service in depth.

Frequently asked questions

These answers cover the most common queries about the Ritz afternoon tea experience.

Related reading: How Much Caffeine in Tea? Compare Tea v Coffee & Health Effect · Black Tie Event Dresses: A Complete Guide for Women