Very excited to hear B was coming over (the Old Chook) and that we'd be able to catch up and maybe get a few ticks off the list. This one was a bit of a surprise last minute bonus. Always wanted to have Afternoon Tea at the Ritz in London. It is of course meant to be the most fancy one - not that I'm particularly fancy or even like fancy things, but it would be nice to do.
Our day started with us heading to the V&A Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art Exhibition. Always nice to pop into the V&A and have a nice cup of tea in the tearooms. Because you can't just have a cup of tea, it has to be a nice cup of tea. A potter around Kensington and Harrods and a rather long walk to the Ritz. We ended up slghtly hot and sweaty, or maybe better to say glowing darling - we were glowing.
There is a dress code, so heels were popped on (literally, the heels were on and off again quick smart) and we didn't enter the Palm Court - we glided in escorted by a doorman who looks like he personally screens applicants for aristocracy. The chandeliers sparkle with the quiet confidence of objects that know they cost more than all my belongings put together and a pianist gently tinkles away on the keys. It's all rather nice.
Along came the waiter - definitely a stick tucked in his trousers to enquire if Madam would like a glass of champagne. Now Madam would have loved a glass of champagne, but Madam finds it difficult to stop at just one glass and at £25 a pop Madam showed great restraint and declined the kind offer. The afternoon tea itself was already costing what I would spend on food for a week.
Then the tea arrives and the platter arrives. All beautifully presented, although I must say the first round of sandwiches were a little dry. The little cakes were again very pretty, underwhelming, but these days I don't have much of a sweet tooth - unless it's actually sweets, chocolate or ice cream. Have never been overly fond of cake. Took a small nibble of each and asked for more sandwiches which definitely came out fresher than the first batch. The scones? They were nice. Best I've had? No, but nice. They also bring out 2 cakes and pass you a chosen slice. Again, not being a cake person, didn't really like either.
The setting is beautiful, the service is lovely, the bathrooms are lush and the piano player tinkling away is a nice touch. Is it worth the money? Absolutely not. Am I glad I went? Yes. Would I go again? Nope. 4/10 for the food - below average in my opinion. Maybe a bit harsh because I don't much like cake. But honestly, I've had better sandwiches and scones.
B took away some of the leftovers - ended up giving them to a homeless man who tucked into them with great relish - priceless! Oh, I also seem to have taken very few photos! Luckily B took a few.
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