The Ritz London

The Ritz London opened on May 25, 1906, with a clear ambition to redefine luxury hospitality in Britain. The idea came from César Ritz, who wanted to bring the refinement of continental grand hotels to Piccadilly. From the beginning, the property felt ahead of its time, offering service standards London had not quite seen before. King Edward VII became a regular guest, helping establish the hotel as a social center for aristocrats, politicians, and cultural figures. By the 1920s, it was firmly woven into London life. When Charlie Chaplin arrived in 1921, crowds gathered outside, showing just how iconic the address had become.

Through the 1930s and into the Second World War, the hotel adapted to difficult times. While glamour softened, its importance did not. Leaders such as Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle held meetings here, giving the building a quiet but meaningful role in wartime diplomacy.

In the late 20th century, careful restorations protected its Louis XVI interiors, and the building received Grade II listed status, recognizing its national significance. Ownership changes brought renewed investment, keeping the property relevant without altering its character. More than a century after opening, the hotel continues to evolve while holding firmly to its original identity.

The Ritz London stands on Piccadilly in a building shaped by early 20th-century neoclassical design, influenced by grand Parisian residences. The exterior looks formal and symmetrical, with stone detailing and balanced proportions that reflect the architectural taste of its era. Inside, the hotel follows a Louis XVI decorative style. Expect ornate plasterwork, gilded moldings, chandeliers, and soft pastel tones across the main public spaces. The Palm Court is lighter in color with gold accents and high ceilings that allow in natural light. The Ritz Restaurant features elaborate ceiling paintings, large mirrors, and tall windows overlooking Green Park, giving diners a classic European feel.

The Rivoli Bar introduces an Art Deco influence, with deeper colors and more geometric detailing, offering a noticeable contrast to the more classical rooms. Over time, restoration work has focused on preserving original architectural features rather than replacing them. The building is Grade II listed, which protects its historic and architectural character. Travelers interested in heritage interiors and traditional European design will find that much of the original detailing remains intact and carefully maintained.

The Ritz Restaurant

Dining at The Ritz London centers around The Ritz Restaurant, which currently holds two Michelin stars. The dining room itself is a standout, with crystal chandeliers and a richly decorated ceiling. The kitchen is led by John Williams, focusing on seasonal British produce sourced from across the UK. Guests can choose from several structured menus depending on the time of visit. Each reflects a slightly different format, from lighter morning dining to more elaborate multi-course experiences.

The Epicurean Tasting menu is designed for the entire table, which means dietary adjustments may be limited and should be discussed in advance. Wine pairings are available and selected by the in-house sommelier team. On Friday and Saturday evenings, live music accompanies dinner service, adding to the overall experience.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 7:30 am – 10:30 am (daily)
Lunch: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm (daily)
Dinner: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm (daily)

Dress code: Smart casual

The Rivoli Bar

Within The Ritz London, The Rivoli Bar offers a noticeably different setting from the main restaurant. Rich metallic tones, polished surfaces, and detailed finishes give it a strong Art Deco character, making it one of the more visually distinctive bars in Mayfair. The drinks list covers a wide range of styles. Guests can order established classics that remain on the menu year-round, signature Rivoli creations, or more experimental combinations.

The bar team also prepares custom cocktails based on individual preferences, so visitors are not limited to what is printed on the menu. In addition to cocktails, the bar offers a considered list of wines and Champagnes. A small dining menu is available as well, with options that move from lighter choices such as club sandwiches to more indulgent selections like caviar.

Opening hours: 11:30 am – 11:30 pm (Monday to Saturday); 11:30 am – 10:30 pm (Sunday and Bank Holidays)

Dress code: Smart casual

The Caviar and Champagne Experience

At The Ritz London, the Caviar and Champagne Experience takes place in the Long Gallery, a richly decorated space used for smaller, refined dinners. The concept centers on pairing premium caviar with carefully selected Champagne. The menu features a curated range of caviar, including Royal Belgian Platinum, Oscietra, and Beluga, offered in different portion sizes. There is also an Epicurean Journey option designed for two guests, combining multiple caviar varieties with additions such as steak tartare and oysters.

Staff guides guests through the tasting, explaining origin, texture, and flavor differences, which makes the experience accessible even for those new to caviar. Champagne pairings are selected from established houses and chosen to complement the richness of each variety. This experience is structured and indulgent, and dietary adjustments may be limited, so advance notice is recommended.

Opening hours: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm (daily)

Dress code: Smart casual

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz London is served daily in the Palm Court and remains one of the hotel’s most requested experiences. A dedicated Children’s Afternoon Tea menu is available, offering a similar structure tailored to younger guests. Guests are served finger sandwiches, warm scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and a selection of pastries and teacakes, which can be replenished on request.

Champagne can be added, and celebration options are also available. The tea list includes around 20 loose-leaf varieties, overseen by certified Tea Master Giandomenico Scanu, who sources teas from different plantations worldwide. The exclusive Ritz Royal Blend is only available here. Live piano music accompanies the service. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menus are available with advance notice.

Opening hours: 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm. (daily)

Dress code: Smart casual

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

At The Ritz London, several experiences take place on site before you even step out into Mayfair. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Ritz Restaurant hosts “Live at The Ritz,” a dinner and dance event built around an à la carte menu. The evening features The London Dance Orchestra, directed by Robin Harris, performing swing era classics and selections from the American Songbook. Vocalist Iain Mackenzie regularly joins the band. Professional dancers stage short theatrical performances during the evening. Guests can either join the dance floor or simply enjoy dinner with live music.

The hotel also houses The Cigar Shop and Lounge, an indoor space for sampling premium and limited edition cigars, including the Ritz London range. The walk-in humidor stores a wide selection, and staff guides guests through tastings. Scotch whisky, cognac, rum, and cigar accessories are available to purchase.

Additional services include a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom for private transfers, as well as a personal butler service available for selected stays, offering tailored assistance throughout the visit.

For families, nearby attractions make outings easy. Buckingham Palace is a short walk away, and the Changing of the Guard can be viewed from the forecourt. Green Park sits directly behind the hotel, offering open lawns and walking paths. Burlington Arcade and the toy store Hamleys are also within walking distance. You can also easily reach Piccadilly Circus, known for its bright screens, and an open public space for events. For museum visits, The National Gallery offers free entry and houses major European artworks, making it a cultural stop close to the hotel.

At The Ritz London, events are hosted in dedicated spaces such as The Ritz Room, which accommodates both private and corporate gatherings. The venue is used for occasions ranging from milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and engagement parties to business meetings, conferences, and formal dinners with catering provided by the hotel’s kitchen team. Customized menus and structured dining formats are available

The Ritz Room features high ceilings, large windows overlooking Green Park, and classic interior detailing that matches the rest of the hotel’s historic style. Layouts can be adjusted depending on the type of event. Planning support is offered by the in house events team, who coordinate logistics, menu selection, and room arrangements in advance.