The Ritz London

Designed by French Architect Charles-Frederic Mewes and Englishman Arthur Davis in Louis XVl style, the Ritz Hotel was opened by Swiss Hotelier Cesar Ritz on 25th May 1906, but was not an immediate success, losing over £50,000 between May 1906 and July 1908, resulting in the appointment of a new manager, Theodore Kroell. At this time, room rates per night were 1 – 11⁄2 guineas. The Ritz was made fashionable in 1911 with the patronage of the Prince of Wales, and the Hotel’s success followed. Film stars, including Douglas Fairbanks, actors and high society figures frequented the Hotel.

In 1921, Earl Louis Mountbatten’s friend Charlie Chaplin had to be ushered inside the Regal Suite by 40 policemen to protect him from his fans. In the 1930’s the then Prince of Wales honed his dancing skills at The Ritz. During World War II, eminent royals enjoyed the social whirl at this hub for the aristocracy. After World War II The Ritz was owned for 30 years by the Bracewell-Smith family, who also owned the nearby Park Lane Hotel. In October 1995 the Hotel was purchased from Trafalgar House for £75 million by the Barclay twins Sir Frederick and Sir David, of the Ellerman Group of Companies, owners of The Daily Telegraph. The Group spent £40 million and eight years in restoring The Ritz to its original grandeur, with sparkling chandeliers, and it was the first hotel to receive a Royal Warrant from Prince Charles.

I suppose the most memorable guest was President Clinton. He was doing a book signing in Piccadilly and he was walking past an Afternoon Tea where someone was celebrating a birthday. He later walked back and recognised the lady and said to her “I understand it’s your birthday – happy birthday!” The lady said, “I’m sure I know you” and he retorted “I’m President Clinton”. The guest wrote a lovely letter back to the
hotel to say “It’s amazing who you meet when you go to Afternoon Tea at The Ritz”. We’ve had lots of lovely guests, it’s a very privileged place to work for me.

Back in 2002, HM Queen Elizabeth II hosted a party on The Prince of Wales’s 54th birthday in The Ritz Restaurant and also held her 80th birthday celebrations in 2006. Do you have any memories you can share from royal events?

Her Majesty The Queen has held several, notable functions with us and The Prince of Wales has also held a mutton lunch for Welsh farmers (back in 2006) when he was encouraging the public to eat mutton so it should not go to waste. Each event was a joyous occasion for all staff, and everyone is delighted. I am a royalist and those who I have met (from the family) I’ve found charming, and I am privileged to have met most of them. I admire the tireless work that they do.

The Ritz in London is famous for its luxury and splendid catering services and in 2002 your hotel received a Royal Warrant for Banqueting and Catering Services. What special requirements need to be met to receive such an award?

The award is given if you provide catering facilities to St James’s Palace or to Clarence House. You have to prepare a cocktail party for the palace, providing both the staff service and the product. Speaking of His Royal Highness, you will remember that he and Camilla HRH The Duchess of Cornwall were first photographed together (in January 1999) as a couple on the Ritz steps as they left a party.