The Ritz London Festive Afternoon Tea Experience: The Full Guide
This Christmas, I wanted to gift my mum a really special experience that we could enjoy together and remember forever! So, I booked us the Festive Afternoon Tea at The Ritz London and honestly it was the most incredible experience and has set the bar very high for future afternoon tea experiences.
The Ritz London is located in Mayfair which is one of London’s most iconic and luxurious areas. The hotel is right next to Piccadilly, making it incredibly easy to reach. The nearest underground station is Green Park, which is just a 1-2 minute walk away and is connected by the Piccadilly, Jubilee and Victoria lines. You can also walk from Piccadilly Circus in around 10 minutes if you want to see the beautiful London views.
I decided to opt for the Ritz London Festive Afternoon Tea experience as it is one of the most iconic and luxurious experiences you can do in London.
The Festive Afternoon Tea is £120 per person which includes unlimited sandwiches, pastries, scones, tea and comes with a glass of bubbly either Champagne, Rosé or a non-alcoholic beverage option too.
We went for the 7:30pm time slot , which was the final slot of the evening, and it felt like the perfect time to go. It wasn’t as busy, there were a few empty tables and it just was a really peaceful experience.
First Impressions & Arrival
We arrived around 30 minutes early for the Ritz London Festive Afternoon Tea because we were so excited, and we were warmly greeted and shown to a waiting area where we could sit in soft plush armchairs and wait for our experience to start. The moment you step inside The Ritz, you feel like you are in a completely different place in time. The interiors are absolutely breathtaking and even the toilets looked incredible. Everywhere you look feels grand, detailed and timeless. It was hard not to take photos of everything!
At around 7:25pm, we checked in for our reservation and were shortly escorted to our table, seated right in the middle of the room with a stunning view all around us. The setting felt intimate yet grand at the same time.
Champagne, Tea & The Start of the Experience
Once we were seated we were approached by a waiter who introduced himself and explained what the evening would entail. Because we booked the Festive Afternoon Tea, this came with a glass of bubbly. We were given the choice of Brut Champagne, Rosé Champagne or a non-alcoholic option, and we both opted for the Rosé (which was very good).
A lovely touch was that children under 18 were given a Ritz teddy bear instead of a drink. The teddy is exclusive to The Ritz London and so incredibly cute! We thought it was too cute to leave so we ended up purchasing one before we left as a souvenir to remember the beautiful experience.
Next came the tea menu, which was extensive and impressive. There were 21 different teas to choose from, including lemongrass and ginger, hibiscus flower, orange blossom oolong, chocolate delight and many more. We chose the English Rose blend, Green Elderflower, Hibiscus Red Fruit and Menthos Green Tea which were all fragrant and delicious. The teapots themselves were beautiful and elegant, and surprisingly generous in size.
The Food: Sandwiches, Sweets & Unlimited Refills
As we enjoyed our tea, our afternoon tea stand arrived which was filled with delicate sandwiches and festive desserts. The sandwiches included classics like ham and mustard, cucumber and cream cheese, chicken and sage stuffing and smoked salmon. My mum’s favourite was the smoked salmon, while I loved the ham and mustard.
One thing that really surprised us was how often the staff came around asking if we wanted more food. The waiters were incredibly attentive and even asked if we had any favourite sandwiches and if you did, they would happily bring more of that specific one.
From how dainty and small everything looks, the experience is incredibly filling. Don’t be fooled by the small sizes, we arrived hungry and were completely full by the end.
The desserts were also lovely and varied. One had a light hazelnut filling which was our favourite, another was fruity and tangy, and the chocolate-looking dessert was actually fruity rather than rich, which really surprised us in the best way.
Scones, Live Music & Extra Treats
Just when we thought we couldn’t eat any more, the waiters came around with the plain and raisin scones, served warm with clotted cream and organic strawberry jam. This was easily my favourite part as I love a good scone, and these were perfect. They were warm, fluffy and light too!
Throughout the evening, there was a pianist playing softly in the background, which created a beautiful atmosphere for all the guests enjoying their experience. We were also treated to a performance by opera singers singing classic Christmas songs, which made the whole experience feel even more festive and special.
Later on, a waiter came around with a trolley offering slices of cake to every guest which you could pick from a traditional Christmas cake and a Black Forest cake. We opted for the Black Forest cake, which was light, fluffy and absolutely delicious.
As you can tell there was a lot of eating and we were surprised how full we were so I highly recommend coming hungry, you won’t be disappointed!
Final Thoughts
In total, we spent around 1 hour and 45 minutes enjoying the experience. After paying the bill, we took a little time to wander around the hotel and explore. I couldn’t not mention the ladies’ bathroom (also known as the Powder Room), which was beautifully pink and girly. I loved it!
Overall, this experience was absolutely incredible. From the stunning surroundings to the delicious food, live music and impeccable service, it truly felt worth every penny. It’s one of those experiences you’ll always remember, and I’m so glad I got to share it with my mum.
If you’re looking for a special Christmas gift, a luxury London experience, or simply want to treat yourself, The Ritz Festive Afternoon Tea is something I couldn’t recommend more. This was our first afternoon tea experience in London so it will be interesting to compare with others in the future!
Ritz London Festive Afternoon Tea – FAQs
Is The Ritz Afternoon Tea worth it?
Yes, absolutely! The Ritz London Festive Afternoon Tea is not just about the food but about the whole experience. From the incredible interior to the attentive service and magical live music to the unlimited refills, it really is a luxury experience that you will remember forever.
How much is Afternoon Tea at The Ritz London?
For the Ritz London Festive Afternoon Tea it was £120 per person which is typically more expensive than the standard afternoon tea as it includes a Christmas menu and a glass of bubbly.
The Standard Afternoon Tea experience costs £95 per person and £81 per person if you pick the 7:30pm time slot but if you do want to include a glass of champagne it will cost an additional £25-£29.
What is included in the Festive Afternoon Tea at The Ritz?
The Ritz London Festive Afternoon Tea experience includes:
- A selection of finger sandwiches (with unlimited refills) including ham and mustard, cucumber and cream cheese, chicken and sage and smoked salmon.
- Seasonal desserts and pastries
- Freshly baked scones with clotted cream and organic strawberry jam
- An extensive choice of 20 teas
- A glass of champagne or a non-alcoholic alternative
- Live piano music and festive performances
Is there a dress code for Afternoon Tea at The Ritz?
Yes, the Ritz has a formal dress code. Men are required to wear a jacket and tie and jeans, trousers, trainers and casual wear are not allowed for both men and women.
All the men we saw were wearing a suit a tie with smart trousers and shoes. The women opted for elegant dresses, skirts and formal suits which also added to the ambience!
How long does Afternoon Tea at The Ritz last?
Our experience at the Ritz London Festive Afternoon Tea lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes which was more than enough time to enjoy, relax and eat. Most guests spend around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours enjoying the experience. There’s no rush, and the staff allow you plenty of time to relax and enjoy everything.
Is it really unlimited at The Ritz Afternoon Tea?
Yes! Sandwiches, tea and scones are unlimited. The staff regularly ask if you’d like more and are happy to bring extra of your favourites. This means if you do have any leftover desserts they are happy to package it up for you to take home.
Are there vegetarian or dietary options available?
Yes. The Ritz can accommodate vegetarian and some dietary requirements, but it’s best to let them know in advance when booking so they can prepare accordingly. They do also ask once you are initially seated too.
Is The Ritz Afternoon Tea suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome. Guests under 18 were offered a Ritz teddy bear instead of champagne, which is a really lovely touch. The teddy was also available to purchase for £30 and is exclusive to The Ritz London.
What is the best time to visit The Ritz for Afternoon Tea?
We really enjoyed our experience going for the latest slot at 7:30pm. As it was a late sitting it was quiet and felt more intimate.
How far in advance do you need to book the Festive Afternoon Tea at The Ritz?
If you’re planning to book the Ritz London Festive Afternoon Tea, I cannot stress enough how far in advance you need to be prepared. I initially hoped to book this experience before Christmas, but when I enquired in August, I was told it was already completely sold out and was sold out around 6 months in advance.
That said, don’t worry if you do miss the initial release of tickets. In November, I was advised by the Ritz team to keep checking their website daily as cancellations happen close to the date and they were right! A few slots did appear, and I managed to secure a 7:30pm booking on 28th December, which ended up being perfect.
The Ritz London Festive Afternoon Tea runs from 1st December to 6th January, so there is a wider window than just the Christmas week itself.
My top booking tips:
- Book as soon as dates are released (ideally 5–6 months ahead)
- Follow The Ritz London on social media for booking announcements
- If it’s sold out, check the website daily for cancellations
- Be flexible with times and dates as evening slots tend to open up more often
The experience is incredibly popular for a reason, so early planning really is key!