Peek behind the scenes and learn the secrets of the world famous The Ritz London

Opened in 1906 by Swiss hotelier César Ritz, The Ritz London is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, which is an organisation that was established in 1928 with a commitment to providing remarkable travel experiences.

"We select hotels specifically with curious travelers in mind to meet their high standards for quality and distinctiveness. The result is a curated portfolio of independent hotels united not by what makes them the same, but the remarkable details that make them different."

- The Leading Hotels of the World

The look of the Ritz reflects the super rich of the early 1900’s who wanted to see their wealth mirrored in their surroundings. Subtlety and discretion weren’t the fashion.  

César Ritz, the 13th child of a Swiss shepherd, rose from cleaning dishes in Paris to managing The Savoy in London. He then conceived The Ritz to satisfy the whims of the rich with bling Edwardian style and created an escape to live fantasies reminiscent of Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles.

The Ritz Restaurant is Michelin-starred haute cuisine in a spectacular setting of sparkling chandeliers and towering marble pillars, with floor to ceiling windows that overlook the calm oasis of Green Park in the centre of London.

The Ritz Secret Garden Bar is an elegant secluded oasis for alfresco dining and is open from mid May to mid September and is a perfect spot for a sunny lunch, sipping cocktails or dining at night under twinkling lights and candles amongst the olive trees and fragrant lavender.

Reservations are available daily from 11.00am to 9.30pm, guests must be over 16 and there is a minimum spend of £19 per person.

The Rivoli Bar is an intimate cocktail lounge open from 1130am Monday to Saturday and 12pm Sunday, reservations are not taken and smart casual attire is suitable however trainers are not permitted.

The Menu includes caviar, vintage champagnes, cocktails, canapes, sandwiches, Rivoli Classics and desserts.

World Renowned Afternoon Tea, a quintessential British experience served in the spectacular Palm Court with glittering chandeliers and an elegant ambience enhanced by a resident pianist and harpest to make your experience unforgettable.

Served daily at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, and 7.30pm priced from £58 for adults and from £35 for children, reservations are required in advance.

If you enjoy podcasts, this is a great interview between highly entertaining Graham Norton and John Williams, who has been the Executive Chef of The Ritz London since 2004. 

Going behind the scenes, Graham Norton uncovers what it takes to be the Executive Chef of one of the most well-known and prestigious hotels in the world. 

Click here to listen to the interview now or continue to read more ...

A Geordie from a hard, working-class background and family of six, John always loved food and grew up even as a young lad, being very particular about the presentation of food. At a time when being a chef was considered "girly," John took the opportunity to study catering at college.  Whilst his peers at school would end up as fishermen, shipbuilders or down the mines he was adamant, "I want to cook."

Fast forward to 1985,  John was a young chef at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington. One day he emerged from London's Green Park tube station and began strolling along Piccadilly.  As he reached iconic Ritz Hotel he began to imagine the beautiful china and food inside and it was then that he promised himself "I'll work at The Ritz one day."

He had to wait a couple of decades before joining The Ritz, not as a chef, but as the chef in charge of the chefs. He says he counts himself as "the luckiest man in the world".

Click here to listen to the interview between Graham Norton and John Williams, Executive Chef, The Ritz London, to learn how he got started and developed his creative culinary flair. 

To help you on your own culinary journey, John Williams, Executive Chef at The Ritz London, has created The Ritz London Cookbook, which is a collection of recipes for dishes served to guests at The Ritz, which you can recreate right in your own home.

John says that with care, preparation and by hitting the right temperatures when it comes time to present, the dishes will be beautiful.

The Ritz London - The Cookbook features 100 delectable favourites from afternoon tea in The Palm Court, canapes and cocktails from The Rivoli Bar and specialities from William Kent House, which holds private functions and banquets.

The book is divided into the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.  

Each season begins with a unique cocktail and canapé pairing followed by first courses, main courses and desserts. 

Interspersed in the recipes are special features on subjects from tea to truffles.

John invites you to "flick through the pages of his book to discover a dish that brightens your life as you make it, serve it and of course savour it."

Recipes range from the simple to the seasonal, to the signature and the sublime.

THE RITZ LONDON - The Cookbook, can be ordered directly from theritzlondon.com for UK deliveries.

If you are not in the UK then order from Amazon or Booktopia to have it delivered right to your door for either yourself or as a special gift for the ultimate food lover.

John says his life is about haute cuisine, which to him means so much more than "fine dining" which is a phrase he does not like. So what is Haute Cuisine according to John Williams, Executive Chef at The Ritz Hotel?

"Haute cuisine defines a style, a certain feeling, sensation and taste."

"Haute cuisine epitomizes true gastronomy and purity."

Hopefully you have enjoyed this peek behind the scenes of The Ritz London.

If you have been to The Ritz London, please let us know all about your experience in the comments below. 

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