The Ritz Afternoon Tea: 2026 Prices, Dress Code & Review

There’s a reason the phrase “Ritz” became shorthand for luxury: afternoon tea at The Ritz London has been a ritual since 1906, and today it costs from £95 per adult. This guide breaks down the real cost, what you actually get, and whether it lives up to the price tag.

Price (adult): from £95 · Price (child): from £73 · Seating times (daily): 5 slots: 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30 · Duration: approximately 90 minutes · Dress code: smart casual; jacket and tie required for men

Four key specs, one pattern: The Ritz afternoon tea is priced at a premium but bundles tradition, atmosphere, and service that few London venues replicate.

Is The Ritz afternoon tea worth it?

Pricing and value breakdown

The standard adult afternoon tea starts at £95 per person, as confirmed by The Ritz London (official pricing page). For a couple, that’s £190 before service. The children’s menu, for guests aged 3–12, costs £73 per child. A YouTube review from 2025 mentions a price of “£50 per person” (YouTube (personal review, tier 3 source)), but the official site now lists £95, so those figures are outdated.

Guest reviews and ratings

On TripAdvisor (aggregated guest opinions), the venue scores 4.0 out of 5 from over 2,000 reviews. Many praise the “elegant setting” and “attentive service”, but some note that the food, while good, does not feel abundant for the price. A review on Her Fav Food (personal blog, tier 2) describes the “gorgeous Palm Court” and “delicate sandwiches”, but points out that the size of the portions is “petit” – which is traditional, not generous.

The implication: if you value ritual and surroundings above volume, The Ritz delivers. If you want hearty portions, a less formal hotel tea (e.g., Fortnum & Mason) may offer better value for money.

What is the dress code for afternoon tea at The Ritz?

Dress code requirements for men

The Ritz requires gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie. This is stated on the official website and confirmed in the Ritz London FAQ section (official policy). A forum post on Rick Steves Travel Forum (travel community, tier 3) also warns that “gentlemen without a tie may be turned away”. Jeans and sportswear are not permitted for either gender.

Ladies dress code for afternoon tea at The Ritz

Women are expected to dress in smart casual attire: no jeans, trainers, or sportswear. Dresses, skirts, blouses, or smart trousers are common. The same Ritz London FAQ states that “smart casual” applies in The Ritz Restaurant breakfast, The Rivoli Bar, and The Long Gallery. The dress code does not apply to children under 16.

What this means: a tie is non‑negotiable for men, and you should leave the sneakers in the hotel room. For women, “smart casual” is more flexible but still excludes typical tourist wear.

How much does afternoon tea at The Ritz cost?

Price options for adults and children

The standard adult price is £95, children (3–12) £73. Both prices are listed on the official afternoon tea page and repeated in the Ritz FAQs (official pricing confirmation). A champagne upgrade exists but the exact cost is not listed without reservation; a review on Her Fav Food (blog, tier 2) mentions that her “Celebration Afternoon Tea” with champagne was £68 – but that review dates from an earlier period.

Inclusions in the standard afternoon tea

• Finger sandwiches (classic fillings)
• Freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam
• A selection of pastries
• Loose-leaf tea (around 20 varieties, per TripAdvisor (guest experience notes))
• Two slices of cake from the guéridon cake trolley

Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten‑free menus are available upon request, as confirmed by The Ritz London (dietary options).

The pattern: you’re paying for the setting and tradition, not for quantity.

How long should you allow for afternoon tea at The Ritz?

Duration of the experience

The Ritz states that afternoon tea lasts approximately 90 minutes. The official website lists seatings at 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, and 19:30 Monday to Sunday (The Ritz London (seating times)).

Seating time slots

• 11:30 am (morning tea)
• 1:30 pm
• 3:30 pm
• 5:30 pm
• 7:30 pm (evening slot)

Guests are expected to vacate at the end of the 90‑minute period to allow the next sitting. Booking is essential.

Why this matters: if you are planning a day in London, the 90‑minute time slot is generous enough to enjoy the full sequence but not long enough to linger for a second pot of tea – plan your post‑tea activity accordingly.

Can you ask for more sandwiches at the Ritz afternoon tea?

Refill policy for finger sandwiches

This is one of the least documented parts of the experience. The official website and FAQ do not mention whether additional sandwiches are offered. A review on Her Fav Food (blog, tier 2) notes that “the sandwiches are not unlimited” and that she “asked for more and was told they could bring a second round”. TripAdvisor reviews are mixed – some say they were offered more, others not. The pattern: refills may be possible but are not guaranteed or advertised. For those with larger appetites, it is wise to assume the initial portion is the main portion and consider a pre‑tea snack.

Menu items

• Classic menu (finger sandwiches, scone, pastries, cake trolley)
• Vegetarian menu (upon request)
• Vegan menu (upon request)
• Gluten‑free menu (upon request)

The tea selection features around twenty loose‑leaf varieties, including traditional English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and herbal infusions.

The implication: assume the initial portion is your main serving.

Specifications at a glance

Six key specs, one pattern: every detail is calibrated for a traditional, formal luxury experience – not for speed or volume.

Pros and cons of The Ritz afternoon tea

How to book and enjoy The Ritz afternoon tea – step by step

1. Check availability – visit the official booking page and select a date. Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance for weekends.
2. Choose your sitting – five time slots: 11:30, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30.
3. Note dietary requirements – select vegetarian, vegan, or gluten‑free at the time of booking.
4. Prepare your outfit – men: jacket and tie; women: smart casual; children under 16 exempt.
5. Arrive on time – late arrivals may shorten the 90‑minute experience.
6. Enjoy the sequence – sandwiches, scones, pastries, cake trolley, tea. Ask for refills politely if you finish your sandwiches early.
7. Leave a tip – service is not included; 10–15% is customary.

What we know – and what remains unclear

What guests say

“Afternoon tea at The Ritz is served in the beautiful Palm Court with a live pianist. The sandwiches are delicate, the scones are warm, and the service is impeccable. It’s an experience, not just a meal.”

– Her Fav Food (blog review, tier 2)

“We booked for a special anniversary. The dress code was very strict – a man in front of us was turned away because he wasn’t wearing a tie. The tea itself was lovely, but we didn’t get to ask for more sandwiches.”

– TripAdvisor reviewer (guest experience, tier 3)

For luxury‑tea enthusiasts who prioritise setting and tradition, the Ritz delivers. For budget‑conscious travellers who value volume, a less formal alternative may be a better fit. The decision hinges on whether the Palm Court, pianist, and ceremony are worth the £95 premium.

For anyone in the UK considering a special‑occasion tea, the trade‑off is clear: book The Ritz for the theatre, or choose a competitor for the quantity. Either way, reserve at least two weeks ahead.

For more luxury food and drink reviews, see our guide to Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc: Price, Taste & Celebrity Appeal and the Best Pretzel with Cheese Dip Near Me: Local Guide & Top Chains.

Frequently asked questions