The Ritz London
© Copyright May DeLory
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The Ritz London hotel celebrates JAZZ, Live at The Ritz Club! Thursday, 28 March 2013 at 8pm ’till late. The Ritz London celebrates another exciting line up of musical talents for their monthly Jazz & Swing night at The Ritz Club.
Kim Alvord Live at The Ritz London
The season of monthly live Jazz & Swing evenings continues with an amazing line-up for March with the return of the ever popular, Trio Manouche a world-class acoustic Gypsy Jazz & Swing band. Think starry night, a gypsy campfire, a shot of Absinthe, a stolen kiss…and more hot and very cool sounds. For those who prefer a more mellow style, Matt Cutler brings his own unique interpretation of classic Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Michael Bublé hits alive with his smooth and velvety voice. Kim Alvord has been compared to KD Lang and Mary Chapin Carpenter… She has just gone from strength to strength after her time on talent show X Factor, taking the time to find herself as a singer and get a massive online fan base before the releases of her debut album later this year. Her soulful, powerful voice simply has to be heard! Enjoy a Sharing Platter (based on 2 persons sharing) and a glass of Champagne – £50 per person. Reservations: Kelly Prosser: kelly@theritzclub.com
Cesar Ritz, the greatest hotelier of his time and perhaps since, saw his dream for a hotel to spoil, to pamper, and to please and delight his guests come again to fruition on May 25, 1906 in the guise of The Ritz London. Hotels on a palatial scale were Cesar Ritz’s forte, with locations in Paris, Madrid, Rome and Budapest, in Boston, Montreal and New York. Many a grand entrance is made and has been made at The Ritz. The Prince of Wales and Mrs. Camilla Parker-Bowles, now the Duchess of Cornwall, made their first public appearance on 28 January 1999 at The Ritz. Even during the Second World War years dining at The Ritz was an occasion. It was not until 1947 that the hotel received the go-ahead from the government to begin essential renovations.
Mewès & Davis, at the turn of the century, designed the Winter Garden (today known as The Palm Court) to command the full impact of a grand hotel for those persons who entered The Ritz from the Piccadilly entrance. Mewès and Davis were of the Beaux-Arts training. Throughout the hotel we see design on a grand scale with breathtaking proportions, gracious line, classical detail, and ornate chandeliers, the pièce de résistance of The Palm Court and The Restaurant. Today, one may approach The Palm Court after first passing through the hotel’s main lobby from the Arlington Street entrance and then passing through elegant glass panelled French doors to the Grand Gallery. A suggestion made by the late Queen Elizabeth the Mother to meet safety of guests climbing stairs led to the installation of softly curving brass handrails and swirling cast-iron balustrades in The Palm Court entrance.
The Ritz London, Palm Court
The Palm Court with five daily sittings to handle the popularity of the long-standing ritual. Afternoon tea in The Palm Court serves as an alternative to lunch and begins at 11:30 a.m., finishing with a champagne tea at 7:30 p.m. Christmas tea is especially a lovely time to be at The Ritz London. Reservations weeks in advance are the order of the day; but for those arriving to The Ritz London on short notice, The Rivoli Bar http://bit.ly/eVIUdW — with its gold leaf art deco ambience, panelled walls in vintage polished camphor wood veneer, and onyx marble bar counter — entertains the identical tea service as that of The Palm Court. Chandeliers made in Turkey are cast in glass, bar stools are made in Italy, mirrors etched with animals – graceful hounds and delicate birds and majestic stags reflect daylight from outside. The Rivoli Bar is the ideal spot to enjoy a glass of champagne at the end of an evening. An important point to keep in mind is one need not stay overnight in The Ritz London to make a reservation for afternoon tea, breakfast, lunch, or dinner in any venue.
Alan Pouring Champagne in The Rivoli Bar
Afternoon tea is served in the gold leaf art deco ambience of The Rivoli Bar http://bit.ly/eVIUdW . The Palm Court— known as Winter Garden in the early days of The Ritz London—offers grand and opulent open spaces. If one enjoys gilded motifs derived from life and nature then The Ritz London should not disappoint.
Peter O’Donnell dance band
For those who must savour their afternoon potation with something of a kick…then there is The Ritz 100 cocktail as well as a cocktail selection in excess of 80, including signature martinis. Or ask about a cocktail designed and named in your honour. Don’t forget to eat the real gold shavings of The Ritz 100 cocktail glistening at you from the bottom of a most beautiful piece of stemware. Stay on to dance the night away in The Ritz Restaurant… “Live at The Ritz”, features a four-course dinner with dancing to the sounds of Peter O’Donnell and his band playing the songs of Cole Porter and contemporary blues jazz selections. Peter has a voice very much like that of rock star Rod Stewart but can smooth things out when the song calls for him to do so. Peter also performs on week-ends at The Ritz London. The Christmas season is especially festive with a constant array of daily activities.
For Your Information
The Ritz London, The Marie Antoinette Suite
In love with the Marie Antoinette Suite? I am, too. I found the room calming; it’s adjacent to The Ritz Restaurant which is at the far end of the Long Gallery. The Marie Antoinette Suite comfortably holds up to 100 guests for cocktail receptions. The Barclay family’s acquisition of William Kent House allows for grand entertaining in stunning 18th century ambiance. William Kent House, a Grade II structure constructed in the 1740′s and adjoining The Ritz London hotel, was acquired by The Ritz in 2005. After an extensive restoration, five banquet and private dining rooms were opened in 2006. The Music Room is the largest salon in the William Kent House. So, whether your special occasion is for two in a single private dining room or for two-hundred housed in the entire ground floor, The Ritz London fits the bill.
You’ll be interested to know that The Ritz London opened the all new Cigar Shop & Tasting Room, welcoming both residents and non-residents to sample the finest cigars that London has to offer. The Rivoli Bar recently introduced a relaxed dress code, so ties are not required in order to enjoy the bar. (Rivoli Bar opens daily at 2:pm.) Alan Cook, The Rivoli Bar Manager, created in 2006 the “Ritz 100″ Champagne cocktail with a blend of vodka, Grand Marnier and peach liqueur and slivers of 24 carat gold leaf in honour of the hotel’s Centenary Year. One of my favourite magazines, TATLER, http://www.tatler.com/ describes The Rivoli Bar as a “gorgeous little jewel box”. And it is. Check out the Afternoon Tea menu, as it was re-launched with a delectable new selection of British pastries and finger sandwiches. The spa salon is lovely and offers a wide range of treatments, including ladies’ and gentlemen’s hairdressing, bridal hair and make-up. Let me know if you try the hugely popular Ritz Manicure in partnership with the legendary Jeff Pink.
Suite Temptations for the family at The Ritz London
Don’t leave the kids at home when visiting The Ritz London! The Ritz spa loves princesses.
During their stay, mothers and daughters may like to indulge in The Ritz Salon’s ‘Princess for a Day’ programme. Priced from £225, the programme includes a haircut and a style for two by a leading hair stylist, followed by a manicure for little princesses and a pedicure for mothers. While mothers enjoy a refreshing glass of Ritz Champagne, and daughters a Shirley Temple fruit cocktail, daughters will get an enticing peek at a grown-up, luxurious world and enjoy a day out with Mummy that will never be forgotten. Time spent with the family at The Ritz is a wonderful tradition to begin, where every moment is magical and memories are made and remembered for a lifetime. One of the most family-oriented of London’s luxury hotels, The Ritz London offers a selection of family suites of up to five bedrooms in size and complimentary membership for children to its Kidz@The Ritz programme. Upon check-in, each child receives a V.I.K. (Very Important Kid) membership card, which upon presentation grants them access to unlimited ice-cream, complimentary children’s bathrobes and slippers, milk and cookies on turndown and a very special surprise welcome gift on arrival. The setting, with the wide spaces of verdant Green Park on its doorstep and a variety of toy stores and family activities to delight children only a short walk away, is perfect; the service is legendary; and the award-winning Ritz Restaurant boasts a menu sure to please even the fussiest child (see below for contact information).
Good morning lady luck: From 13th May until 31st May everyone who visits The Ritz Club between 6 am and 12 noon will receive a Complimentary Lucky Chip to enjoy at the Club. The mornings just became that little bit more exciting. The Ritz Club gaming suites as of 13 May, 2013 are open 24/7.
Jazz at The Ritz, London! Back by popular demand for The Ritz Club. Two jazz sets. First jazz set begins at 8:30 pm. 19 July & 23 August in 2012. Reservations: telephone Kelly direct in London, England: 020 7468 1353 OR email Kelly: kelly@theritzclub.com
http://youtu.be/Au0CQt7M8yM Children’s animal tea party. www.Hamleys.com
Celebrate Christmas and New Year at The Ritz and make it a festive time to remember. Always.
Ritz Christmas Tea
The Ritz and Highgrove delight hotel guests with a once-in-a-lifetime lavish weekend including an exclusive evening of Christmas shopping at Clarence House.
Each year, Clarence House opens for an invitation only evening of festive shopping where a stunning selection of Christmas gifts and adornments are on show. These are inspired by the beautiful gardens of Highgrove, which is the family home of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. You’ll find sumptuous hampers bearing His Royal Highness’s fleur-de-lys, organic sloe gin, painted teapots and mugs featuring a range of rare breeds and a unique collection of decorations designed to beautifully adorn the home and create a celebratory mood. All products are exclusive to Highgrove and are beautifully packaged, presenting the perfect gift for family and friends. For the very first time, The Ritz has been given the opportunity to host a special evening event at Clarence House, as part of an exclusive weekend accommodation programme. Priced from £940 for two people sharing a twin or double room including Value Added Tax, the Very British Christmas accommodation programme is available to guests arriving on Sunday 11th November 2012. For more information or to make a booking, please contact our Christmas Coordinator please telephone: +44(0)20 7300 2512 or email festivities@theritzlondon.com Prince Charles and the Royal Family “Paint Box”. http://bit.ly/ZxqBBL
British Airways UK: Share your hints and tips for a Perfect Day for London 2012 with the iPhone app: http://bit.ly/OQ8l3V
Almost a hop, skip and a jump from London, England: By air: London to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol approximately 1.10 hrs. Manchester, UK to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol approximately 1.20 hrs.
The Ritz London Champagne Dinner
Moët Hennessy, one of the most prestigious brands in the world will be hosting an extravagant dinner at one of the most iconic hotels in the world – The Ritz London. Executive Chef John Williams MBE has created a bespoke menu befitting this special occasion and renowned wine expert Richard Bampfield has selected a complementary showcase of fine Moët Hennessy brands to give guests a memorable dining experience.
Start the evening off in a sophisticated manner with a collection of canapés complemented by chilled Dom Perignon 2004, before enjoying a first course of Curry Roast Turbot paired with delightful Dom Perignon Rosé 2003. The next two courses of Squab Pigeon with Ras El Hanout and Olive, and Saddle of Lamb Belle Epoque will be paired with peerless wines from Moët Hennessy’s collection: Numanthia and Cheval des Andes respectively. A summery dessert of Exotic Fruit Soufflé with Pineapple and Chantilly is paired with the sweet notes and deep flavour of Cloudy Bay Late Harvest Riesling. Complete the evening with a selection of rich Ritz Chocolates and the smooth leather and complex spice flavours of Hennessy Paradis.
The Moët Hennessy Champagne Dinner is a collaboration of expertise, absolute skill and high taste by experts in their field and offers diners a unique opportunity to indulge in the finer things in life. The Moët Hennessey Dinner at The Ritz London takes place on Wednesday 26th June 2013 and costs £225 per person. This includes a five course meal served with Champagne, wine and Cognac. A drinks reception will begin at 7:00pm with seating at 7:45pm for dinner. For more information or to make a reservation please contact Victoria Payne in The Ritz Private Dining and Events Department by email: vpayne@theritzlondon.com or telephone: +44 (0)20 7300 2233
Things to do & places to see when in London
Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace (ten-minute stroll from The Ritz London).
At 11:30 be prepared to be regaled during the 40-minute regimental ceremony in front of the palace; it’s one of London’s great spectacles. The Guard departs the nearby Wellington Barracks at 11:27 accompanied by a band and marches via Birdcage Walk to the Palace. Early April into the summer the ceremony takes place daily, and on alternate days prior to April. Take the Tube to Green Park station and walk through the park to the street (about 10 minutes’ walk). Near the time of the parade you’ll hear the band playing their instruments as they march towards the palace.
Top Hat at The Ritz Package
Three-course pre theatre dinner at The Ritz Restaurant, a glass of champagne, top price theatre ticket to Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre, from £ 99. per person. Dinner at 5:30 pm Tuesday to Thursday for 7:30 theatre performance, 1st. November 2012 to September 2013 subject to availability. Quote “TopHat at The Ritz Package” when you make a reservation at The Ritz London hotel. Telephone +44 (0) 20 7907 7000. Tim Walker of The Sunday Telegraph raves about Top Hat, saying it’s the best thing he’s seen in 25-years! The Ritz Package offer is subject to availability. http://youtu.be/TVVJPa7GNrQ
London Visitor Oyster Card is the way to go!
For information on Art on the Underground see http://art.tfl.gov.uk
If you are visiting London and intend to use the Tube and other forms of public transport, you can buy a Visitor Oyster Card, delivered to you before you travel. Start using it from the moment you land in London, avoiding queues at the airport to buy tickets. The Visitor Oyster Card calculates the cheapest fare for your journey. You can purchase a Visitor Oyster Card before your trip to Britain at the VisitBritain shop. www.visitbritainshop.com
BIG BUS TOUR of LONDON
Britain goes wild for gardens. 100 years celebration!
Charles Dickens’ former home reopnes with great expectations. http://bit.ly/VDywN3 Link supplied by eTalk CTV News.
The “Shard” glass building in the city of London is now open. See this stunning structure as I did on a London BIG BUS tour…. You’ll see the tallest ferris wheel, and Stella McCartney’s fashion shop ( daughter of former Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney and the late American photographer and animal rights activist, Linda McCartney). I got on the bus outside The Ritz, London hotel beside Green Park underground station where you can purchase Big Bus tickets. Great park for a walk to the Queen’s palace. www.bigbustours.com
Marilyn Monroe: A British Love Affair is at the National Portrait Gallery, London from 29 September 2012—24 March 2013.
Helen Mirren in The Audience. A new play by Peter Morgan. Directed by Stephen Daldry. http://www.theaudienceplay.com/ World Premiere. London, England. Gielgud Theatre. Previews from 15 February 2013.
You’ll be a hero when you take your kids on this London ride…and it isn’t the famous ferris wheel. http://youtu.be/MvtZxUixARE
A visit to London’s famous Hamleys toy department store, www.hamleys.com , for a teddy bear tea party is sure to please everyone!
First new theatre to be built in London in thirty-years! www.stjamestheatre.co.uk
Big Bus Tours. www.bigbustours.com Hop on, hop off! See The Ritz London, Buckingham Palace, Stella McCartney clothing shop and many more London landmarks.
The Ritz London (150 Piccadilly)
Summer 2013: 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace from Thursday 11th July until Sunday 14th July 2013. The Coronation Festival will see the grounds of Buckingham Palace taken over by Royal Warrant holders – the official suppliers of goods and services to the Royal Households. Royal Warrants have become a mark of quality given the high standards demanded by our Royal Family and so visitors to the Coronation Festival can expect a stellar showcase of everything from haute cuisine to high quality home ware, luxurious automobiles to the finest vestments. As a proud participant of the Coronation Festival, The Ritz has created the ‘Festival Fantastic’ residential programme offering you the opportunity for ‘Puttin’ on The Ritz’.
The Festival Fantastic Programme includes:
Two nights’ accommodation English breakfast each morning Dinner in The Ritz Restaurant on one night An unique Ritz Coronation Festival gift Tickets to the Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace Ritz Champagne and Canapés at the Festival Value Added Tax Rate from £1,155 for a twin or double room The programme is available for arrivals from Thursday 11th July to Saturday 13th July 2013.
Transatlantic crossing with Cunard Line, New York City to Southampton, England. Then take a cab to The Ritz London! For those of you looking to create a romantic experience that is unsurpassed then look no further than ‘A Ritz Rendezvous’. This residential 2013 package has been created with romantics in mind and offers you and your significant other the opportunity to disappear into the stylish glamour of The Ritz. Guests can enjoy a night in the plush comfort of a room and will arrive to a chilled bottle of Ritz Rosé Champagne as well as a little romantic gift courtesy of The Ritz. Dress to impress for an unforgettable dining experience in The Ritz Restaurant before retiring to the seclusion of your own room where you can revel in conspicuous comfort that will have you longing for every day to be Valentine’s Day. With rates from £840.00 including VAT for two people sharing, please call +44 (0)20 7300 2222 for further information.
To make a reservation or to gain further information on programmes at The Ritz, London please contact: THE RITZ LONDON 150 PICCADILLY LONDON W1J 9BR TELEPHONE +44 (0)20 7493 8181 FACSIMILE +44 (0)20 7493 2687 ENQUIRE@THERITZLONDON.COM WWW.THERITZLONDON.COM Don’t forget, Big Bus tours are outside The Ritz London hotel (Green Park underground entranceway). Purchase tour bus tickets at Big Bus locations.
Copyright © photographs supplied by The Ritz London and May DeLory. All Rights Reserved.
