Is this the place to go for afternoon tea? Are there better? Where? Why? We have the reservation confirmed - quite expensive. Is it a special experience or a touristy thing? thanks...

Hi, <BR>I have only gone to the Ritz and the 4 Seasons for afternoon tea, so I won't call myself an expert in this department. I really enjoyed the Ritz. It was fun to people watch and also the food(light snack foods, but filling enough so you couldn't eat dinner for awhile afterwards)was very good. The room was open and there was plenty of activity going on in the area---but not enough to be disruptive. The 4 Season's room was darker(I suppose more cozy) and the food was o.k., but I liked the variety better at the Ritz. I had read that the best afternoon tea was at the Brown Hotel, but when we arrived there I was disappointed(seemed like a smokey living room), so we went to the Ritz. Fortunately, there was a table available because the people who reserved never showed up. The Ritz might be what you would call touristy, but that's o.k. with me. You only go around once in life, so why not stop off at the Ritz!!!! You owe it to yourself. You probably worked hard for your $, you might as well treat yourself! <BR>Elsa

It was a great experience. We thought we were on a movie set, it was a classic!

Hi Len, <BR>Sorry about the author on that first post.I signed my name but gave your name and e-mail address at the top. Guess I must be getting tired.At least you got my message and that was the important thing! <BR>Elsa

Actually, the Ritz has been a tv set (Hart to Hart). I recognized the waiters. It's worth the 22 pounds. Less for children under l2. <BR>You can't wear jeans or rubber soled shoes. You can ask for seconds. At that price why ever not? Go as late as you can, so you can go to the theatre on a full stomach. I try to go there every time I'm in London. It's a one of a kind experience. I think they evenhave tea dances there once a week. That's even more expensive. <BR>

Just to add a note to what Judy said re dress code. Do not wear what you've been touring or walking around town in all day. People are smartly dressed. The first time I went, quite a few ladies were wearing hats(1996). When I went last July there were only a few with hats. Guys might even have to wear jackets, but that might not be the case now because even in Europe the dress code seems to be a little more relaxed.

Hi Len, <BR>Did you notice the messages re TEA in London? Some thoughts are listed under "Tea and shopping in London". You might find those postings interesting. Maybe we went into the wrong room for tea at the Brown Hotel, because other people really enjoyed it. <BR>Elsa <BR>

Len, <BR> May I suggest the Orangery at Kensington Palace. It is very British and a wonderful place to have tea. I went there last year and plan to go again this year.