The Ritz
I DARESAY THE RITZ ANSWERS every would-be Eloise’s conception of the ‘grand hotel’ more completely than any other establishment in London. A landmark since its opening in 1906, its aura of extreme opulence is refracted through a series of overlapping prisms. An Edwardian interpretation of Louis Seize by those masters of the style, Charles Mewès and Arthur Davis, in middle age it took on the air of a stage set designed by Cecil Beaton. After a spell of genteel shabbiness, it was rejuvenated around the turn of the millennium and is now glitzier than ever. Mirrored glass, swagged curtains, tinkling chandeliers and floral carpets: this is luxury at its most theatrical. There’s a great deal of gold.
A trifle over-burnished for my taste, The Ritz is able to capitalise on its Piccadilly location and instantly recognisable name by catering endless afternoon teas to native and foreign tourists in its ravishingly pretty Palm Court. Sittings commence before lunch and are still in full swing at 7.30PM. Bookings are made months in advance. If the notion of ‘afternoon’ tea taken at, and way past, the cocktail hour seems faintly daft, make for the more worldly Rivoli Bar, which is a latter-day interpretation of Art Deco straight out of a painting by Tamara de Lempicka. With its wall of windows giving onto Green Park, the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant has a claim to be considered the most beautiful room in England.
See also: Claridge’s, The Connaught, Harry’s Bar
