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Step into Live at The Ritz, and you’ll feel as though you’ve entered a bygone era of grandeur and glamour. The Ritz London, opened in 1906 by the legendary César Ritz, remains the epitome of sophistication. Its dining room is a feast for the senses before you’ve even taken your first bite, with opulent Louis XVI décor, glittering chandeliers, and sumptuous rose-adorned carpets that swallow your every step.
This is no ordinary dinner; this is an event — London’s most exclusive stage where fine dining, live music, and elegant dancing converge to create a night you’ll treasure forever.
The Dinner Experience: Culinary Theatre
The Michelin-starred menu at The Ritz is a masterclass in artistry and taste, led by Executive Chef John Williams MBE. Every dish celebrates the finest British ingredients with French precision, and the service is as much a performance as the food itself.
Guests can choose from an à la carte menu or the indulgent ‘Epicurean’ tasting menu, which offers five or seven courses. Highlights include:
- Native lobster tail delicately dressed in tomato and basil consommé.
- Turbot in Sauce Veronique, cooked to perfection with a buttery softness that melts in your mouth.
- Suffolk lamb cutlets, accessorised with delicate blooms that make the dish as visually enchanting as it is delicious.
The dessert courses are nothing short of theatrical, culminating in a flamboyant crêpes Suzette flambéed tableside. Add to this an extravagant trolley of fresh herbs for bespoke tea infusions, and you’ll understand why dining at The Ritz feels like stepping into a dream.
Our Highlights
The Champagne Trolley: A Glamorous Prelude
The evening at Live at The Ritz begins with a touch of effervescent elegance, courtesy of the champagne trolley. As you settle into the lavish surroundings, the trolley arrives in a gleaming parade of bottles, each representing the pinnacle of champagne craftsmanship.
From the crisp finesse of a vintage Dom Pérignon to the golden richness of Krug Grande Cuvée, the selection is as impeccable as the service. The sommelier provides tailored recommendations, ensuring your choice perfectly complements the mood of the evening.
Served in delicate flutes, the champagne’s cascading bubbles set the tone for an extraordinary night, making every toast feel like a celebration of life’s most refined pleasures.
The White Truffle Experience: An Aromatic Indulgence
Elevate your dining experience at Live at The Ritz with the opulent addition of weighed white truffle, a seasonal delicacy prized for its intoxicating aroma and luxurious flavour. Presented tableside with great ceremony, the truffle is unveiled from its protective cloche, allowing you to inhale its earthy, musky scent — a prelude to the indulgence to come.
Once you’ve savoured its fragrance, the truffle is carefully weighed and freshly shaved or grated onto your dish, a perfectly cooked main, or a refined starter. Each paper-thin shaving melts into the warmth of your plate, infusing it with the truffle’s distinctive depth and complexity. This bespoke touch transforms your meal into an unparalleled culinary moment, making it an unforgettable highlight of your evening.
The Chocolate Soufflé: A Decadent Finale
As the evening draws to a close, the arrival of the chocolate soufflé signals a grand finale to the dining experience at Live at The Ritz. Presented with theatrical flair, this dessert is the epitome of indulgence: a cloud-like soufflé baked to perfection, with a golden rise that hints at its airy texture.
Paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla chantilly, it offers a harmonious blend of warmth, sweetness, and a hint of bitterness that lingers beautifully on the palate. Elegant and irresistible, this soufflé is more than a dessert — it’s a moment of pure luxury to savour.
The Ritz’s Legendary Cheese Trolley
A true highlight of the Live at The Ritz dining experience is the famed cheese trolley, a spectacle of artisanal craftsmanship and indulgence. Rolled out with impeccable flair, this mobile treasure trove features an expertly curated selection of Britain’s finest cheeses, alongside celebrated French varieties.
Expect creamy Stiltons, tangy Cheddars, nutty Comtés, and decadent Bries, all beautifully presented and accompanied by an array of chutneys, fruit, and crisp artisanal crackers.
The knowledgeable staff guides you through each option, offering pairing suggestions that elevate every bite. As the trolley glides across the room, its arrival at your table feels like a culinary performance in itself — a fitting homage to The Ritz’s dedication to luxurious, detail-driven dining.
The Entertainment: Swinging Elegance
At Live at The Ritz, dinner is paired with an evening of exceptional live entertainment. Every Friday and Saturday, the London Dance Orchestra takes the stage, blending the smooth rhythms of the American Songbook with the dazzling charm of the big band era. Directed by Robin Harris, the orchestra is joined by Iain Mackenzie, a celebrated vocalist known for his performances with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra.
Adding to the magic is a theatrical performance by Majella Presents, whose professional dancers bring vintage glamour to life with their captivating choreography and costumes. For those feeling inspired, the dance floor beckons — a rare chance to waltz or swing dance in one of the most beautiful rooms in the world.
What to Expect
- Atmosphere: A candlelit dining room alive with music, laughter, and the soft shuffle of dancing feet.
- Dress Code: Gentlemen, don your jackets and ties; ladies, embrace the opportunity for elegant evening wear. The Ritz retains a timeless charm with its strict dress code.
- Entertainment Charge: An additional charge per person is applied to the evening for live entertainment, a worthwhile indulgence for the caliber of performance.
Insider Tips
- Plan for Fridays or Saturdays: These are the official evenings for Live at The Ritz, where you’ll enjoy the full dinner and dance experience.
- Festive Season: During the holidays, prices and schedules may vary, so be sure to check in advance.
- Arrive Early for Cocktails: Start your evening at the bar with a classic martini or champagne from their signature trolley.
Why You Should Go
Dining at The Ritz is always an event, but Live at The Ritz elevates the experience into something extraordinary. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to bask in the glow of timeless luxury, this dinner and dance soirée promises a night to remember.
So bring your appetite, your dancing shoes, and a sense of wonder — because an evening at Live at The Ritz is more than just dinner; it’s a moment you’ll cherish forever.
Service Fit for Royalty
From the moment you step onto the red carpet outside The Ritz, the service is nothing short of perfection. The immaculately dressed doorman, with a welcoming smile, ushers you into a world of opulence, setting the tone for an evening of flawless hospitality. In the cloakroom, attendants swiftly and discreetly handle your belongings, ensuring you feel at ease as you transition into the hotel’s luxurious embrace.
Inside the dining room, the waiters glide with a precision that borders on theatrical, their every movement a carefully choreographed performance. Tailcoat servers present dishes with a flourish, while their timing and attentiveness ensure every need is met without interruption.
The sommelier is equally impeccable, guiding you through the extensive wine list with genuine enthusiasm, tailoring recommendations to your palate with an expert touch. Every staff member exudes a graciousness that feels natural, leaving you pampered and genuinely cared for — hallmarks of The Ritz’s five-star service.
Final Thoughts
Live at The Ritz is a seamless blend of fine dining, live music, and impeccable service. From the Michelin-starred menu to the expertly curated entertainment, every element is executed with precision and elegance. Visit the Ritz London to celebrate a special occasion or simply indulge in a refined evening; the experience you’ll get delivers on its promise of luxury and sophistication.
