To take a 3 year old to the Ritz at 17:30?

[PreschoolattheRitz]

We've been invited by grandparents at the end of April.

I don't quite get the animosity towards those who have said that their children are well behaved in such settings. That's not to imply that yours are not well behaved, just that some children are more passive than others or used to eating out more. Or that they wouldn't lose the plot close to bedtime. Both of my children are quiet and sit still and love a meal out, esp with their grandparents. They always have done and it has never been a problem, especially if it means getting to stay up a bit later.

If this was for tea in the main afternoon tea area, I wonder if they would admit a toddler?

They are quite strict.

Years ago a contact of mine was refused entry to the hotel for wearing a kind of trainer- very, very posh designer ones.

I think you missed the point

You know your child.

I could have taken one of mine at 3. The other five?...not a chance. That would have been no fun for anyone, least of all me.

Hopefully the in laws understand

@RosesAndHellebores

I think you missed the point

Who?

@JinglingHellsBells

If this was for tea in the main afternoon tea area, I wonder if they would admit a toddler?

They are quite strict.

Years ago a contact of mine was refused entry to the hotel for wearing a kind of trainer- very, very posh designer ones.

My friend just asked that. Hopefully the won't allow toddlers so I'm not the bad guy

@AndcalloffChristmas

Pinning their hopes on it being open by then?

It will be open, sad as it is for the permanently miserable who are loving this.

To echo others - totally depends on the kid !

I could have easily taken DD at 3 because she was beautifully behaved. Unless your DC is the same then please don't. If I was another guest and your DC was playing up I would be so cheesed off.

@FlyMyPrettiesFly

We went for afternoon tea at the Ritz in February and really enjoyed it. However, it’s not for young kids, in my view. They’d need to be impeccably behaved, it’s very “adult”.

This. My dd is “well behaved” but also easily bored. This is something I wouldn’t dare take her to, she’d be a beast.

I think they would frown at a 3 year old going for tea.

People save up and regard TATR as a really special occasion (in the main) and it's not really suitable for tiny children.

One thing to consider is would your GP's be ordering a full tea for the child as that's not really suitable and the clue is in the name 'Tea' :)

It's a shame they aren't sensitive enough to appreciate it's not really suitable.

I think they should go and you can go to fortnum and mason's ice cream parlour with your child and have a fun time

@JinglingHellsBells

I think they would frown at a 3 year old going for tea.

People save up and regard TATR as a really special occasion (in the main) and it's not really suitable for tiny children.

One thing to consider is would your GP's be ordering a full tea for the child as that's not really suitable and the clue is in the name 'Tea' :)

It's a shame they aren't sensitive enough to appreciate it's not really suitable.

You've hit the nail on the head! It's the insensitively that annoys me

*insensitivity

Well one been and I wouldn’t! It’s so opulent and luxurious that I felt out of place with my Sunday best on!

Unless you’d DC is immaculately behaved 100% of the time then I 100% absolutely would not.

If some people think they get glared at, at the local Sunday Carvery, if their kid so much as peeps, then I dread to think the disproving looks you’d get from folk that have filled out £100’s on a meal...

If you’re of the opinion of not having a sh*t what people think regardless, then it’s fair game but if you’re someone who is aware of others, then you’ll probably feel uncomfortable.

OP, we did this at my Dad’s request when our girls were 8 and 6. It was lovely, and they loved watching and listening to the pianist and enjoyed the very fancy presentation of everything. I remember not being very relaxed, just in case anything went wrong!

As it turned out all went well, and the staff were great. There is no way I would have taken either of them at age 3 (or out to eat anywhere actually, especially at grumpy o’clock!) I think you and your DH are right. Hope you can slide out of this one gracefully 🙂

I went t the Ritz and can confirm they allows screens. Though in mute.

Couple of Instagramers in the next table didn't put theirs sways once.

If your in laws are regulars surely it will be easy enough to get a private room for your party? In a similar situation in a similar hotel we have been given a private dining room that was unoccupied, which would mean you could have your gathering without you worrying about disturbing others - and if your child gets overtired you can always say you tried and cut and run

We took our three to a Michelin star restaurant in the summer for our anniversary. They were just over four, just over two and four months. We briefed the big two on the fact we were going somewhere very nice in advance and they behaved impeccably.

@lurker101

If your in laws are regulars surely it will be easy enough to get a private room for your party? In a similar situation in a similar hotel we have been given a private dining room that was unoccupied, which would mean you could have your gathering without you worrying about disturbing others - and if your child gets overtired you can always say you tried and cut and run

I can't go asking my in-laws for a private table though no matter how much of a better idea that is

@ThreeFeetTall

I think they should go and you can go to fortnum and mason's ice cream parlour with your child and have a fun time

Tbh, as a 40-something adult I'd choose the ice cream...

I've been to the Ritz afternoon tea. It's overrated. Hope you can get out of it, OP.

@Hugoslavia

I don't quite get the animosity towards those who have said that their children are well behaved in such settings. That's not to imply that yours are not well behaved, just that some children are more passive than others or used to eating out more. Or that they wouldn't lose the plot close to bedtime. Both of my children are quiet and sit still and love a meal out, esp with their grandparents. They always have done and it has never been a problem, especially if it means getting to stay up a bit later.

This.

Having my DS at the table doesn't affect anyone else in the restaurant at all. He doesn't talk loudly, or keep going to the bathroom, or cause any other kind of fuss. Also, tables in more expensive restaurants are so far apart from each other that you can't even hear the conversation on any other tables. It's no different to having another adult at the table, apart from his colouring book, and the fact that he doesn't drink alcohol!

No, just no don't put yourself through the pain of will or won't your dc behave.?

Can you not just say you don't think it's an appropriate venue?

Is this a case of them 'having more money than sense?' :)

So you have the funds for a room and a hotel Nanny? Nanny circa £120 plus room cost.

I'd call them they are very child friendly. www.theritzlondon.com/the-ritz-experience/children/