Walk into the Palm Court at the Ritz London and the first thing that hits you isn’t the smell of warm scones. It is the gold. Everything is gilded. The mirrors, the ceiling, the chairs—it’s basically like stepping into a jewelry box designed by someone who thought Versailles was a bit too minimalist. This isn't just a snack. High tea at the Ritz is a British institution that has somehow survived the era of TikTok trends and "deconstructed" coffee. It’s expensive. It’s formal. Honestly, it’s a bit intimidating if you don't know the unwritten rules.
People often get the terminology wrong immediately. Technically, what you’re booking is "Afternoon Tea." High tea was historically a heavier meal for the working class, eaten at a high table after a long shift. But because "High Tea" sounds fancier to international ears, the name stuck. If you ask for high tea at the Ritz, they’ll know exactly what you mean, but now you know the secret: you're actually there for the finger sandwiches and the clotted cream, not a meat pie.
The demand is wild. Seriously. If you think you can just wander in off Piccadilly on a Saturday afternoon and snag a table, you’re in for a very polite disappointment.
The Logistics of Securing Your Spot
Booking a table for high tea at the Ritz requires the strategic planning of a military operation. Most people try to book two weeks out. They fail. You really need to be looking at the calendar three to four months in advance, especially for weekend slots. The Palm Court holds five sittings a day, starting as early as 11:30 am. Yes, people eat cake and sandwiches for lunch. By the 7:30 pm sitting, it’s basically dinner, but with more jam.
If the website shows "no availability," don't panic. Cancellations happen. I've found that calling the dining reservations team directly around 10:00 am GMT can sometimes unearth a spot that hasn't updated on the digital system yet. Also, if you’re staying at the hotel, the concierge has a certain amount of pull that us mere mortals do not. It’s one of those "perks of the room rate" situations.
Price-wise, expect to pay. As of early 2026, the standard tea starts around £75-£80 per person. If you want the Champagne Afternoon Tea—and let’s be real, you’re at the Ritz—you’re looking at over £100. It is a splurge. It’s the kind of place where you see people celebrating 50th anniversaries and nervous couples on first dates trying not to drop their silver tongs.
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What Actually Happens Once You’re Seated?
The service is fast. Not "fast food" fast, but "highly choreographed dance" fast. Within minutes of sitting down, a waiter in a tailcoat will be hovering. You’ll be presented with a tea menu that is longer than most wine lists. They source from everywhere—Assam, Darjeeling, even unique Ritz blends.
Then comes the three-tier stand.
The bottom tier is the sandwiches. These are the classics: cucumber with cream cheese, Scottish smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise, and ham with grain mustard. The crusts are gone. Obviously. The bread is so soft it feels like a cloud. The middle tier is the star: scones. They come wrapped in a cloth napkin to stay warm. You get plain and raisin. The top tier is the "pastries," which change seasonally but usually look like tiny pieces of modern art.
Here is the thing about the Ritz: it’s all-you-can-eat.
Most people don't realize this. They finish their plate of sandwiches and wait for the scones. If you want more salmon sandwiches, just ask. The waiters will keep bringing them until you practically beg them to stop. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself. If you fill up on bread in the first twenty minutes, you’ll regret it when the Cornish clotted cream arrives.
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That Dress Code Though
This is where people get caught out. The Ritz is one of the few places left in London that genuinely enforces a dress code. It’s not a suggestion.
- Men: You must wear a jacket and tie. No jeans. No sneakers (even the $800 "designer" ones). If you show up in a hoodie, you will be turned away. They used to keep a closet of "spare" jackets for people who forgot, but relying on a borrowed, slightly ill-fitting blazer isn't the vibe you want for your £100 tea.
- Women: It’s a bit more flexible—think "smart casual" or "cocktail attire." Most people go all out. Fascinators, floral dresses, heels. It’s a fashion show.
- The Vibe: Honestly, dressing up is half the fun. It’s theater.
I once saw a guy try to argue his way in wearing very expensive, very clean trainers. The staff was incredibly polite, but they were like a brick wall. He didn't get in. Don't be that guy. Check your shoes twice before you leave the hotel.
The Etiquette: Scone Physics and Pinky Fingers
Let’s settle the great debate: jam or cream first? At the Ritz, they don't care which way you do it, but the "Cornish way" is jam then cream. The "Devon way" is cream then jam. Just don't sandwich the two halves of the scone back together like a burger. That is considered a cardinal sin in the world of high tea at the Ritz. You eat each half separately.
Also, the pinky finger thing? Total myth.
Tucking your pinky in is actually more traditional. Stretching it out is a bit "nouveau riche" trying too hard. Hold the handle of the teacup firmly but delicately. And for the love of all things holy, don't clink your spoon against the side of the cup when stirring. Use a 6-to-12 o'clock motion, not a circular swirl. It’s quieter.
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Is it snobby? Maybe. But you’re paying for the tradition, so you might as well play the part. The resident pianist usually plays a mix of Great American Songbook standards and maybe a cheeky Disney tune if there are kids at the next table. It softens the atmosphere. It’s not nearly as stiff as people think it is once the tea starts flowing.
Is It Actually Worth the Hype?
I get asked this a lot. Is a sandwich worth £15? No. But the experience of high tea at the Ritz isn't about the food cost. It’s about the fact that for 90 minutes, the rest of the world stops existing. There are no windows in the Palm Court. You lose track of time. You’re surrounded by history—this is the place where King Edward VII used to hang out, and where Churchill and De Gaulle met during the war.
The quality of the ingredients is undeniably high. The butter is rich. The tea leaves are whole. The service is attentive without being suffocating. If you’re a "foodie" looking for revolutionary flavors, you might be bored. Everything is traditional. But if you want the quintessential London experience, this is it.
There are "cooler" teas in London. The Sketch tea is more "Instagrammable" with its pink velvet chairs and weird bathrooms. The Savoy has a beautiful glass-domed room. But the Ritz is the baseline. It’s the original.
Common Misconceptions
- "It’s too formal to be fun." Actually, it’s quite buzzy. People are laughing, celebrating, and taking photos. It’s not a library.
- "I’ll leave hungry." Impossible. Between the refills of sandwiches and the cake trolley that comes around at the end, you will likely need a nap immediately afterward.
- "It’s only for tourists." You’d be surprised. Plenty of Londoners go for birthdays or when "Auntie Maude" comes to town.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to go, don't just wing it. Follow this checklist to make sure you actually enjoy the experience rather than stressing about the rules.
- Book exactly 12 weeks out. Mark your calendar. The online booking system opens up in blocks, and the prime 3:30 pm slots go first.
- Request the "Main Room." Sometimes they seat people in the overflow areas if it’s busy. When you book, add a note asking for a table in the center of the Palm Court. It’s much better for people-watching.
- Skip lunch. I’m serious. Have a light breakfast, then nothing. You want to be able to say "yes" when they ask if you want a third round of those lemon poppyseed cakes.
- Check the dress code on the morning of. Make sure your jacket still fits and your shoes are polished. If you’re traveling, pack your tie in your carry-on so it doesn't get lost.
- Talk to the Tea Sommelier. Giandomenico Scanu has been the resident tea master there for ages. Ask for a recommendation based on what you usually like. They have rare harvests that aren't always front-and-center on the menu.
High tea at the Ritz is one of those things you do once in a lifetime, or once a year if you’re fancy. It’s a performance. It’s a sugar high. It’s a very expensive way to eat a cucumber, and honestly, it’s kind of wonderful. Just remember to keep your voice at a "refined" level and maybe don't ask for ketchup for your sandwiches. They have standards, after all.