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

[PreschoolattheRitz]

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

@JinglingHellsBells

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?' :)

Yes.

@Paquerette The tables at The Ritz where they serve tea are close together and it's very intimate. You can overhear other people.

the child will not appreciate it and will not remember it.

this will not be an experience that inculcates a lifetime of gracious behaviour and exquisite table manners.

I took my son to dinner at 8.30pm just before he turned 3 at a 5* British hotel in their signature restaurant and he was really good, so spoilt by the waiters and we all had a great time.

I think you could vary the routine for a special occasion

Depends on your child. DC2 doesn't care a jot for routine, goes with the flow, easy as pie. DC1 (now 5) and needs to be in bed at bedtime, if not we pay for it for days, as well as at the time. He just cannot cope with a late night, not even once. And what is a special occasion for me, is not a special occasion for him!

@Cautionsharpblade

If I were paying through the teeth for tea at the Ritz and a 3 year old ruined it, I'd be fucking fizzing.

Absolutely!

No I’d take my 7 year old DS at a push and he’s very into following rules (outside of home). He’d probably eat cake non stop though 🤣

If I could go there for a special occasion I wouldn't be thrilled to find a 3 year old at the next table - yes it's generalising of course.

This whole thread is giving me hives thinking about taking DD2 to The Ritz to be fair, the idea of taking my husband is equally frightening

The tables at The Ritz where they serve tea are close together and it's very intimate. You can overhear other people

Overhearing other people is the exact opposite of intimate surely?

If they're open, they'll certainly have to be spreading the tables out more than that in any case.

I was going to say the same @ColdCottage - if funds run to it book a room and have somebody look after DD for the meal, then make a night of it. Assuming it will be open in April, which seems a bit of a stretch.

@PreschoolattheRitz

Who discourages the screens? The ritz itself?

I think the fact that you were obviously contemplating taking a screen suggests that your child wouldn’t sit still long enough not to annoy others.

Maybe as part of explanation that you have not had the chance to practice at any kind of restaurant or eating out and need that.

Can you suggest a more suitable activity (though still with the obvious risk of Covid cancellation.)

My child certainly won't sit for the amount of time needed. They're an active little person and will be bored, hungry and tired.

@Blowingagale

Maybe as part of explanation that you have not had the chance to practice at any kind of restaurant or eating out and need that.

Can you suggest a more suitable activity (though still with the obvious risk of Covid cancellation.)

It's booked and paid for already. Other activities will also take place too.

I'm annoyed me weren't even consulted

It's fine assuming you don't have a screamer. I've taken my kids to loads of places like this. Staff are generally very attentive to children. Loads of family to provide attention too.

I'm sure the people who have paid good money for the Ritz and are put sitting beside you and the 3 year old will be thrilled.......

@Taikoo

I'm sure the people who have paid good money for the Ritz and are put sitting beside you and the 3 year old will be thrilled.......

Yeah. About as thrilled as me. I would rather be literally anywhere else.

To say, my child is a wonderful little person and I loooove their company. Just not at the damn ritz

I was going to say that my dd at 3 would have been fine, but then remembered that at 3 she lay on the floor under the table of our nearest posh restaurant to have a poo. In a nappy I hasten to add.

I did once take 12 school children to lunch at the Ritz.

Its an absolutely mental idea. Im With your DH.

All I can think is that would be paying a fortune for the most stressful 90 minutes of parenthood

@PreschoolattheRitz

My child certainly won't sit for the amount of time needed. They're an active little person and will be bored, hungry and tired.

There will be things to eat.

If there are other small children that he can sit next to, they'll amuse each other.

It wont be that late.

@Mumofsend

All I can think is that would be paying a fortune for the most stressful 90 minutes of parenthood

Haha yes. Fucking awful

@Shehasadiamondinthesky

Its an absolutely mental idea. Im With your DH.

So am I