Curious Christina: Treat yourself...Ritz style

Not so long ago it was my lovely Mum's 60th birthday. Of course, this meant that spoiling her and making her feel extra special was an absolute must! Blessed with lots of lovely family and friends, we planned a very secret few days away at a farmhouse in Pembrokeshire, followed by a BBQ birthday party in the garden. Several presents later, off we went to London to have afternoon tea at the Ritz. If there was ever a time to get dressed up, this was it!

Walking through the Parisian inspired Picadilly Arcade at the entrance of the famous London landmark at 150 Picadilly is a wonderful way to start an afternoon of pastries, perfectly cut finger sandwiches and cakes, along with no fewer than 17 different types of tea to choose from. I'm not really sure I could name 17 varieties of tea! We opted for Earl Grey which was served to us in very dainty cups and saucers, as you would expect. As well as the scrumptuous treats laid out before us, we were served by some very friendly waiters who, coupled by the exquisite surroundings of Palm Court, made the whole experience just how I hoped it would be.

After just about managing to eat everything laid out in front of us, we enjoyed a leisurely hour or two wondering around the long gallery, taking a trip to the powder room and listening to the dulcet sounds of a grand piano and fitting songs like a 'Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square'. The Long Gallery is a lovely space leading off to lots of other rooms such as the Restaurant, where diners can look out across the Italian Gardens.

Opened in 1906, the French chateau-style hotel has welcomed them all, from King Edward VIII and the English aristocracy, to Charlie Chaplin and Noel Coward. Churchill, Eisenhower and de Gaulle even met there for Summit Meetings during the Second World War. I recently discovered that Wallace Simpson and the Prince of Wales dined and danced in Palm Court, perhaps in the spot where I sat with my Mum drinking our glasses of champagne and admiring the chandeliers. Take a look at my photos and maybe treat someone special to an afternoon of glamour...Ritz style!