Menu Guide · The Ritz London · Palm Court
Afternoon Tea — Guide
Afternoon tea at The Ritz is served in the Palm Court — the gilded, palm-lined room that set the standard for the whole ritual. It's arguably the most famous afternoon tea in London: a live musical ensemble plays throughout, and the hotel is home to the UK's only certified Tea Master, who sources the loose-leaf teas worldwide (including the Ritz Royal Blend, available only here). All facts below come from the official Ritz afternoon tea page, checked October 2026.
At a glance
- Where
- The Palm Court, The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly
- Price
- From £95 per adult, £73 per child
- Sittings
- Daily: 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM
- Dress code
- Formal — jacket and tie for gentlemen; not required for children under 16
- Music
- Live musical ensemble throughout the sitting
- Phone
- +44 (0) 20 7300 2345 (official page, October 2026)
What's served
In the Ritz's own words (summarised): the tea opens with delicate finger sandwiches, followed by freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and finishes with cakes served tableside from the guéridon trolley — the pastry chefs' chocolate, fruit, and signature creations change with the seasons. Teas are loose-leaf, sourced from plantations worldwide, and include the exclusive Ritz Royal Blend.
- Sandwiches: traditional finger sandwiches (fillings rotate).
- Scones: served warm with clotted cream and preserves.
- Cakes: seasonal selection served tableside from the trolley.
- Tea: loose-leaf selection including the Ritz Royal Blend — the UK's only certified Tea Master sources them.
Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free afternoon tea menus are available on request — tell the hotel about dietary needs before your visit, as the page notes they can't accommodate specific allergies with extra menu adjustments on the day.
Prices
From the official page (October 2026): afternoon tea starts from £95 for adults and £73 for children. Champagne and other upgrades cost more — the official page lists the starting prices; check the current page or ask when booking for the full tariff.
Sittings & booking
Five sittings daily: 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, and 7:30 PM. This is one of London's most in-demand afternoon teas — weekend sittings can sell out many weeks ahead. Book as early as you can; see our booking guide for the details.
Dress code
The Ritz enforces a formal dress code: gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie; jeans and sportswear are not permitted. The dress code does not apply to children under 16. When in doubt, overdress — the Palm Court rewards it.
What we'd do
- Pick your sitting with the light in mind: the Palm Court's glass roof is at its best in daylight — the 1:30 PM or 3:30 PM sittings.
- Book the earliest date you can: this is a once-in-a-lifetime room; don't leave the reservation to the last minute.
- Eat light beforehand: three tiers plus tableside cakes is a full meal.
- Ask about the teas: with the UK's only certified Tea Master behind the list, the tea is half the experience — the Ritz Royal Blend is exclusive to the hotel.
Official links
About these prices
The £95 / £73 starting prices come from the official Ritz afternoon tea page, checked October 2026. Upgrades (champagne and others) cost more. Prices and sittings can change — always verify with the hotel before visiting.
More Ritz guides
- Menu prices — what dining really costs — realistic totals with service charge
- The Ritz Restaurant menu — tasting menus and à la carte prices
- How to book — reservations, dress code, tips