Have cream tea at the Ritz
Afternoon tea at The Ritz London is a formal version of a familiar British pleasure: finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries and a carefully chosen pot of tea served in the Palm Court. Although the activity's title says cream tea, the hotel's bookable experience is its full Afternoon Tea, with live music and a fixed sitting rather than a casual café stop. Reserve only through The Ritz or an authorised voucher and check the current menu, price and terms before committing. Demand is high and the hotel advises booking months ahead, especially for weekends. State allergies and vegetarian or vegan requirements during booking, confirm children's pricing and understand the card guarantee and cancellation deadline. Champagne is an optional extra, not part of the standard experience. Follow the current dress code: The Ritz says gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie, while jeans and sportswear are not permitted for any guest at Afternoon Tea. Arrive early enough for the cloakroom and seating without rushing. The sitting currently lasts one hour and 45 minutes, so plan transport around the actual reservation rather than assuming the table is open-ended. Let staff guide the order of service, try more than one tea and ask before photographing other diners. There is no correct argument about jam or cream first that needs to dominate the table. Completion is attending a legitimate Afternoon Tea sitting at The Ritz, enjoying the scones and service and respecting its house rules—not staying overnight, ordering alcohol, finishing every cake or confusing formality with a licence to treat staff as servants.