One of Tom’s family traditions that I was more than willing become part of, is Afternoon Tea followed by a West End show. If you’ve been reading for a while then you’ll know that going for Afternoon Tea is one of my absolute favourite things to do in London. Most of the major hotels offer their own take on the British classic and there are many articles about ‘the best tea in London’. For me, there are quite a few hotel teas to try on my hit list, including Claridges, The Goring, The Dorchester, Brown’s and one of the most famous, The Ritz.
Well The Ritz can officially get a big tick next to it.
The hotel was decked out in Christmas decorations and looked absolutely stunning. Before this, I’d actually never been inside The Ritz, so I’m not sure what it looks like normally, but I was suitably impressed by the numerous trees, lights and glitz.
Not to mention the Carol Singers…
The ‘powder room’ was incredible, very pink and fluffy with drinks, magazines and a vanity table- what more could you ask for. I didn’t take any pics as I thought I might get some odd looks!
All the classic sarnie options, although I was very upset they’d ruined the cucumber sandwich by adding dill (I’m allergic to dill).
There is some debate across the UK as to whether to spread cream or jam first on a scone. Apparently both are right, depending on where you’re from. In Cornwall they do jam then cream, in Devon it’s cream then jam. As you can see from the picture above, I’m a cream then jam sort of girl. I have to say, with all the hype around The Ritz tea, I was quite disappointed by the scones. Mine had 1 sultana in it, so I wasn’t sure if it was a mistake or a very stingy fruit scone! The atmosphere in the Palm Court was magical, however I’m not sure that the food lived up to the hype or cost.
After tea, we walked down Piccadilly to The Apollo theatre to see my theatre pick, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. I was a little nervous that it wouldn’t be to everyones taste, as it was a little heavy hitting compared with previous years but it was amazing. Honestly one of the best plays I have ever seen. The main actor was incredible, and the use of staging – the floor, walls, and ceiling was so innovative. If you’re planning on booking theatre tickets for the New Year, I cannot recommend this enough!
Do you put cream or jam on your scone first?
That looks gorgeous! I’ve got to do a tea there sometime.
Cream first, then jam. 🙂
Great pictures – what did you use to add the sparkle? 🙂
I’m a Devon girl and I couldn’t agree more, cream then jam every time. The best cream tea I’ve ever had is in Salcombe, in the back of Crewe clothing. If you ever get the chance, it’s the best!
That looks like such a fun, festive way to spend the day!