London: The Ritz Rivoli Bar

Art Deco perfection with champagne from £25/glass. Afternoon tea with champagne supplement (£27). The most British champagne experience possible. Smart jeans allowed in the bar only.

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1 Book the Rivoli Bar Adventure · Free

   The Art Deco Rivoli Bar from 1906 at The Ritz London (150 Piccadilly) is gilded, mirrored, perfect — and the bar (not restaurant) allows smart jeans and no tie. Book at theritzlondon.com or walk in (bar sometimes accepts walk-ins). Afternoon slots are easier than evening. Champagne starts from £25/glass in a setting that survived the Blitz when bombs hit Piccadilly.

   Backup: The Palm Court (afternoon tea) is the iconic Ritz experience but more formal and expensive.

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2. 2 Study the Champagne List Wine · Price: high

   The list focuses on Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy with by-the-glass champagnes from £25 and prestige cuvées from £50+. Ask the sommelier: "What's your most interesting champagne by the glass right now?" They rotate special bottles through their selection, giving you access to producers and vintages beyond the standard list.

   Backup: The house champagne (Ritz-branded, from a good house) is perfectly acceptable.

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3. 3 Absorb the Art Deco Adventure · Free

   Gold leaf, beveled mirrors, period furniture — the Rivoli Bar is a time capsule that survived the Blitz when bombs hit Piccadilly. Look up at the ceiling, study the details, notice the craftsmanship. Order a second glass and linger. This is London history in liquid form, where the bar itself tells the story of a century of service.

   Backup: The lobby and Palm Court are also gorgeous if you want to explore.

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4. 4 Optional: Afternoon Tea Upgrade Adventure · Price: very high · Optional

   The most famous afternoon tea in the world happens in The Palm Court at The Ritz, with champagne supplement available (£27 for a glass). Jacket required for men. Book at theritzlondon.com 6-8 weeks ahead (sells out) for seatings at 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm. This is the full Ritz experience — tiered stands, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and pastries in the room where afternoon tea was perfected.

   Backup: Rivoli Bar does a lighter "tea time" menu if Palm Court is booked.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Rivoli Bar dress code: smart jeans OK, trainers NO, no shorts

• Palm Court requires jacket for men - they have loaners

• Green Park tube station is steps away

• Afternoon tea books out 6-8 weeks ahead

• The Ritz casino next door if you're feeling lucky

• Champagne prices are London-expensive - budget £50-100 for a session