Lunch at The Ritz, London

I have always lived in London but have never visited the Ritz. I am sure there are many Londoners like me, who have often walked past and thought about the hotel inside, but like so many other iconic British buildings, have never ventured in.

After a lavish lunch at the Ritz Restaurant with the hotel’s Chairman Andrew Love, I can truly recommend a visit inside this fabulously famous London establishment.

Ritz Restaurant

Stepping inside the Ritz lobby, the hotel was everything I expected it to be… beautifully ornate with staff smiling at every corner. We walked past the spectacular Palm Court where hundreds enjoy afternoon tea every day, to the immaculate dining room, pink and golden in all its splendour, with an amazing high ceiling and views overlooking Green Park.

We were seated in a lovely table with plenty of natural light streaming through the grand windows. I noticed every charming detail; the turquoise plates and pretty cord-bound menus.

Ritz Restaurant

Our meal began with miniature canapes and flutes of champagne. The mouthful of Coronation chicken encased in crispy pastry was a definite favourite with my table.

Artichoke Royal with winter vegetables and black walnut was a simply spectacular dish, almost too pretty to eat. The autumnal mousse had a silky smooth texture and was topped with micro herbs adding a touch of freshness to the dish. On the side, a leaf shaped crisp completed the dish.

Ritz Restaurant

For second course I adored the truffle angolotti dish; the rest of the table were presented with a beautiful plate of Brill fillet with shellfish, sea vegetables and champagne sauce. The pasta was perfectly made and complemented with a creamy parmesan sauce and shavings of black truffle.

Ritz Restaurant

The Beef Wellington arrived majestically on a trolley. Huge servings were carved for each of us, glistening medallions of the finest meat wrapped in pillowy pastry and served with celeriac mash and sauteed mushrooms. It felt very regal and wonderfully British to be eating Beef Wellington at the Ritz.

Ritz Restaurant

We celebrated the upcoming pancake day with the most stylish pancakes of them all… Crêpe Suzettes prepared in a tableside performance, flambé. A light but indulgent French dessert served with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

Often the reputation of an iconic hotel can overshadow the restaurant in residence. The Ritz Restaurant is truly wonderful in its own right and I commend head chef John Williams for continuing to offer such sublime and creative food, that represents the very best of the UK’s culinary traditions.

More information and book a table at the Ritz Restaurant here.

Skate with Fortnum & Mason, Somerset House

To mark the start of December I am bringing you a post about my favourite festive ice rink in London. Skate at Somerset House is the most iconic and beautiful place to skate this Christmas. The pristine white ice rink is found in the central courtyard of Somerset House with a towering, glittering Christmas tree and foodie treats from luxury British brand, Fortnum and Mason.

Skate

I went along last week for a bloggers evening of skating, eating and drinking. The holiday tunes were adding cheer as visitors put on their skates and cautiously hobbled onto the ice. The rink was busy but there was still plenty of space to skate, and I was amazed to only see two people fall down. After half an hour of skating I was ready to reward myself with food and drink!

Fortnum’s have once again returned with their  Alpine-themed Lodge, perfect for after-skate dining. There is a new menu this year with some comforting, wintery dishes to satisfy and warm you after dancing on the ice.

The menu is filled with tempting dishes. Favourites include: luxurious fondue with pigs in blankets, delicious salt beef broth with winter vegetables and crab mac’n’cheese. If you fancy a tipple opt for the Bees Knees gin, honey and lemon cocktail or a copper mug of hot chocolate served with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. There is also a range of irresistible desserts like sticky toffee pudding with brazil nut ice-cream if you have a sweet craving.

Skate

There is also a lovely Fortnum’s gift shop, perfect for picking up last minute Christmas presents or for stocking up the fridge before your celebratory meals.

I can’t think of a better way to get into the Christmas spirit than a trip to Skate at Somerset House.

More information and book tickets for Skate here.

Salon Couture High Tea with Suzie Turner at The Savoy

The selection of decadent afternoon teas on offer in London is second to none. The finest hotels and top restaurants present beautiful themed cakes, sandwiches and scones to suit every occasion and celebration. The Savoy, one of cities most prestigious and beautiful hotels to dine in, has recently introduced the Salon Couture High Tea with Suzie Turner, a fashion focussed tea for London’s stylish trendsetters.

Savoy tea

This special tea is inspired by the salon-style fashion shows of the 1950s and harks back to the stunning soirees and shows held within The Savoy decades ago. The high tea launched on July 4th and takes place on the first Wednesday of each month, with one sitting at 5.30pm. Guests relax in the radiant, glass-domed Thames Foyer, nibbling on immaculate finger food, whilst stunning models present a catwalk show showcasing iconic gowns from British couturier, Suzie Turner’s magnificent collection.

Savoy teaSavoy tea

The tea includes a fruity cocktail, luxurious sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and cream and a selection of bespoke eclairs, delicately decorated with patterns to match the Suzie Turner designs. I particularly loved the Duck pastrami with herb cream tartlet from the savoury plate, and the warm apricot scones were dangerously moreish, especially when layered with dollops of rich clotted cream and homemade lemon curd!

Savoy teaSavoy tea

My sister and I watched in awe as the tall, slender women sauntered past us, dripping head to toe in jewels and lace. I thought the exclusive fashion show perfectly suited the setting and complimented the array of delicious food, even if I did feel a little guilty eating so much whilst the models walked past looking much more in need of feeding than me! The show was accompanied by a talented saxophonist, who moved around the room belting out soulful riffs and jazzy melodies.

Savoy tea

Afternoon teas can be tedious to review time and time again, but this chic offering from The Savoy offers so much more than just tea and cake, I loved the glamour and glitz, and the food was fresh and tasty too.

More information and book afternoon tea at The Savoy here.