When it comes to fine dining in London, few names can hope to be quite so synonymous with excellence than The Ritz. This esteemed culinary venue is often held up as the ultimate reflection of elegant London, in print and on screen, and it continues to play host to the upper echelons of society on a daily basis from business leaders to celebrities, socialites to royalty. So how has it managed to maintain its glowing reputation for over 100 years?
A Star-Studded Legacy
Since the revered hotelier César Ritz opened the doors to the hotel on 25th May 1906, the Ritz Restaurant has been a leading light in the luxury cuisine scene of London. No expense was spared in creating the opulent interior design and style of the restaurant, both of which are as fantastical and impressive today as they were then. The outlet quickly became a favourite of key figures including King Edward VII, Anna Pavolva and Paul Getty. As the years went by, the restaurants penchant for exquisite flavours and five-star service saw it develop fans from far and wide, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Noel Coward and Charlie Chaplin.
The Power of Evolution
With the wide array of excellent fine dining institutions in London, historical legacy will only get you so far. No venue can rest on its laurels of interior beauty if the food and service doesn’t live up to scratch. Luckily for The Ritz, any concerns about its fare becoming outdated were swiftly put to bed when John Williams took over as Executive Chef. He made it his mission to ensure that the food suited the calibre of the restaurant and that every diner’s experience was “wholly anchored in the present day, if not looking slightly to the future”. For over two decades he has steered The Ritz to new heights, creating succulent and seasonal menus that showcase the very best of British produce and uses the “highest premium ingredients to ensure that each dish captures the natural aroma and exquisite taste”. He has also been a huge champion of the restaurant’s sustainability objectives, encouraging responsible sourcing of local ingredients that support local suppliers and “contribute to the preservation of our environment”.
Critical Acclaim
A Bespoke Experience
There are plenty of choices when it comes to sampling the favours of The Ritz, so that even the most regular of guests could continue to be surprised and enthralled. Its award-winning Afternoon Tea is a must-visit for any occasion that calls for this charming opulent joy. There are also a range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including vegetarian and vegan menus. To truly enjoy the decadence of The Ritz London, one could opt for a tailored fine dining experience with one of their specially curated five or seven course epicurean menus. One of their current event options is the Caviar & Champagne Experience, which is as refined and rich as it sounds, all exclusively serviced in the stunning Long Gallery and Terrace.
