Lunch at The Ritz: From Scouse to Silver Service

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Number of hotel rooms

111 rooms and 23 suits

Year The Ritz opened

1906

By Cesar Ritz

Name of the private dining suite

The William Kent Room

Number of cocktails on offer in The Rivoli Bar

70+

The Ritz – Lunch experience

I’ll be honest — when I booked lunch at The Ritz, I wasn’t sure if I’d walked into a restaurant or the set of Downton Abbey. But from the second I stepped through those grand revolving doors, I knew I was in for something special.

The place oozes old-school glamour. Chandeliers, gold trim, waiters who move like they’re on rails — it’s not your average lunch spot. I half expected someone to hand me a monocle. But here’s the thing: despite the posh setting, the welcome was warm. No snobbery, just class.

I was shown to my table in the main dining room — all mirrors, marble, and hushed tones. It’s the kind of place where even the bread basket feels like it’s got a Michelin star. And the food? Next level. I went for the Dover sole, which basically fell apart in my mouth. Every course was spot on — flavours balanced, portions just right, and the presentation? Instagram gold. One of those meals when it turns up and you think, where is the rest of it? but once you have it, your full and its hit the spot.

But what really stood out was the service. I’ve had good service before, but this was on different level. The staff were sharp, friendly, and somehow always there just before you needed them. It’s no wonder The Ritz is so highly rated — they’ve got it down to a fine art.

And here’s a bit of trivia for you: Queen Elizabeth II once dined here, back in the day with Princess Margaret. Knowing that added a royal touch to the whole experience. Imagine Her Maj sipping a martini where I was sat, probably judging my cutlery skills from the great beyond.

I left feeling like I’d just stepped out of a Bond film — minus the tux. It’s not somewhere I’d go every week (unless AntVentures goes very viral), but for a special occasion? Worth every penny.

“See all without looking; hear all without listening; be attentive without being servile.”
Cesar Ritz

10 Interesting Facts About The Ritz London

1. Opened in 1906 by César Ritz: The Ritz London was founded by Swiss hotelier César Ritz, who also created the Hôtel Ritz Paris. It opened its doors on 24 May 1906 and quickly became a symbol of luxury.

2. Birthplace of the word “ritzy”: The term “ritzy,” meaning stylish or luxurious, was inspired by the hotel’s name and reputation.

3. Royal connections: Queen Elizabeth II dined at The Ritz with Princess Margaret in 1951, and King Edward VII was a loyal patron. The hotel even holds a Royal Warrant for Banqueting and Catering from King Charles III.

4. No large lobby — by design: César Ritz disliked large hotel lobbies. Instead, he designed a lavish arched gallery that runs the length of the building, creating a grand promenade for guests to see and be seen.

5. First hotel in the UK with a bathroom in every room: At the time of opening, The Ritz was revolutionary for including en-suite bathrooms in every guest room — a luxury unheard of in 1906.

6. The Palm Court is legendary: The Ritz’s Palm Court is one of the most famous spots in London for traditional afternoon tea, served with silver teapots and live piano music.

7. It has its own dress code: Guests dining in The Ritz Restaurant must adhere to a strict dress code — jackets and ties for men, no jeans or trainers. It’s one of the last bastions of formal dining in London.

8. A cinematic icon: The Ritz has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Notting Hill, Downton Abbey, and The Dark Knight — often as a backdrop for elegance and intrigue.

9. Only 111 rooms and 23 suites: Despite its fame, The Ritz is relatively intimate, with just 134 accommodations — each one individually decorated in Louis XVI style.

10. Owned by a Qatari royal: The hotel is currently owned by Abdulhadi Mana Al-Hajri, a member of Qatar’s royal family, adding another layer of global prestige.