Tea at the Ritz

[MrsFin]

What should I wear? My DDs are taking me for a significant birthday.
Is the dress code as strict as it used to be/is reported to be?

I’ve been a couple of times - the dress code is quite strict, and everyone was dressed up. I think it ends up being more formal for men though as it’s jacket and tie, for women you can wear a pretty dress and you’re fine. Plenty of women in smart trousers and a top rather than a dress too. No need to wear heels - there will probably be some women in flats and some in heels.

When are you going?

Some years ago a friend was not allowed in the Ritz at all wearing canvas type shoes- think Converse or Superga - even though hers were a designer brand.

I've had tea there a couple of times and just wore a smart dress etc.

I'm pretty sure it's ties for men and a jacket.

Oh you lucky thing - it's fabulous! A dress and smartish shoes.

Thank you.

Since i posted I checked the website: it says "smart casual"

I hate that. Does it mean "smart" or "casual"

I went two years ago and I wore a dressy jumpsuit from Monsoon, lowish heels and a quite smart cardigan. It was fine, I had been a bit worried about what to wear especially as I was size 20 then. Most women were in dresses abs heels or flat sandals. The tables are spaced out and you can't really see other people that well, I didn't feel like anyone was looking at me.

We were turned away when we tried to go for coffee in the Ritz because our son was wearing trainers. He was also in jeans and a T shirt but they said that was all fine - it was just his footwear that got us barred!
It was before lunch on a weekday about 5 or 6years ago.

Last time I had coffee there I was wearing black joggers, top and Chelsea boots with a leopard print coat. Nobody gave me a second glance.

We'll probably be walking around London beforehand, so I think I'll have to swap shoes when we get there!
I was planning on the trusty flowery summer dress and trainers combo, but I'll stick a pair of sandals in my bag.
Although we're going at the end of Sept, so I might be back in tights and shoes by then anyway .