You’ll also pay a mandatory service charge of 12.5%. That’s already included in the total, so don’t panic—but do factor it into your mental math. And if you want to dress to impress, don’t forget: The Ritz has a strict dress code. Jackets for men, no trainers, no jeans. You’re basically paying to look like you belong in a 1920s drawing room.
AFTERNOON TEA AT THE RITZ, London - St. James's - Updated 2026
One surprising fact: The Ritz serves over 1.5 million sandwiches per year in their afternoon tea sessions. That’s enough cucumber to build a small submarine. Another fun fact: the tea is sourced from a specialist supplier who blends it exclusively for the hotel. It’s so specific that the recipe is kept in a locked safe. I’m not joking—they have a tea vault.
Is It Worth It? (Let’s Be Honest)
Look, if you’re on a budget and hoping for a full dinner, you’ll leave hungry. The sandwiches are like an appetizer’s appetizer. But if you’re after an experience, this is it. The pianist plays gently, the waitstaff refill your teacup before you even notice it’s empty, and the whole room feels like a scene from The Crown—if The Crown had better lighting and less drama.
And here’s the twist: you can actually get a reservation online, but you’ll need to book weeks in advance. Walk-ins are as likely as finding a unicorn in the lobby. So plan ahead—or bribe a concierge with a baguette. (Don’t do that. They have security.)
