Tea @ Ritz

In Singapore, we are all too familiar with high tea - a term that suggests a session more than just hot water and tea leaves. In the UK, we have something similar (or its original) known simply as afternoon tea. Unlike the Singapore version which is more of a gastronomical feast, afternoon tea in the UK is a time-honoured tradition treated with much more reverence.



Despite being here for close to 5 years, we have not had the chance to take in such indulgence. Since we are moving home soon, Xueyan suggested afternoon tea and no less than Ritz. It normally takes about two months to get a place at Ritz and, being such an esteemed institution here in London, we would have thought of missing the chance. However, all thanks to Mrs Ong's savviness, we were able to get a place for four with just a month's notice.

Interestingly we HAD to "dress up" for the occasion. For man, at least a tie and jacket. I don't even wear a tie at work! Nonetheless, such attire makes the event more special.



The tea came out well and we really enjoyed the clotted cream and jam with scones. We were initially given three plates (as in the photos) of sandwiches, scones and cakes. Greedy me was thinking of asking for a refill once I make it through half of them but after two hours, we easily had a plate left to finish!

Connoisseurs Cyril and Grace, our tea buddies for the day, gave a 2/10 for the food and suggested a visit to Fortnum and Mason. Me and Xueyan were however duly impressed by the decor and the "seriousness" that we can't really fault our first visit to a proper afternoon tea place. Guess we will try to squeeze in one more trip when our parents are here!