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The Ritz London’s Royal Revival: 7 Shocking New Facts About The UK’s Best Restaurant In 2025

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The Ritz London, a name synonymous with unparalleled British luxury and timeless glamour, is currently experiencing one of the most transformative periods in its 119-year history. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the iconic Piccadilly landmark is not just basking in its heritage; it is actively setting new benchmarks for the global hospitality industry with a flurry of major accolades and strategic changes.

This surge of news, from unprecedented culinary awards to a royal endorsement, confirms The Ritz's status as a dynamic institution rather than a static museum piece. The hotel is solidifying its position at the absolute pinnacle of fine dining and luxury accommodation, making it the most talked-about destination in Mayfair right now. Here are the most essential, recent, and surprising facts you need to know about The Ritz London.

The New Era of The Ritz London: A Snapshot of Recent Accolades and Ownership

The Ritz London, since its opening in 1906, has been a global standard-bearer for luxury, conceived by the legendary hotelier César Ritz to bring Parisian elegance to London. While its history is rich with famous guests like Charlie Chaplin, Noël Coward, and the Queen Mother, the most significant developments have occurred in the last five years, dramatically reshaping its future.

  • Location: 150 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London, W1J 9BR
  • Founding Year: 1906
  • Original Architects: Charles Mewès (French) and Arthur Davis (British)
  • Architectural Style: Louis XVI, Neoclassical, and Franco-American influences
  • Current Ownership: Abdulhadi Mana Al-Hajri (Qatari Investor)
  • Acquisition Date: March 2020
  • Acquisition Price: Approximately £700 million
  • Grade II Listed Status: Yes, a protected building
  • Key Dining Venues: The Ritz Restaurant, The Rivoli Bar, The Palm Court

1. The Ritz Restaurant Achieved Two Michelin Stars in 2025

In a monumental achievement that has stunned the fine dining world, The Ritz Restaurant was awarded its second star in the MICHELIN Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2025. This elevates the dining room from a one-star institution to a true global culinary heavyweight. The restaurant, led by its talented culinary team, is celebrated for its exquisite use of seasonal British ingredients and its grand, opulent setting in the Louis XVI style dining room. The achievement is a powerful statement about the hotel’s commitment to world-class cuisine beyond its famous traditions.

2. Crowned 'Best Restaurant in the UK' for 2025

Further cementing its culinary dominance, The Ritz London was named the Best Restaurant in the UK 2025 at the prestigious National Restaurant Awards. This accolade is a testament to the restaurant’s flawless execution, exceptional service, and the unique experience of its Dinner and Dancing offerings every Friday and Saturday evening. The award signals that the dining experience at The Ritz is currently considered the absolute pinnacle of British gastronomy, surpassing all other competitors in the nation.

3. King Charles III Granted a Royal Warrant in 2024

Adding a new chapter to its royal history, The Ritz London was granted a Royal Warrant by His Majesty King Charles III in May 2024. This highly coveted designation acknowledges that the hotel has supplied goods or services to the Royal Household for at least five consecutive years and is a mark of quality and excellence. The Ritz has long been a favourite of the Royal Family, with Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother being notable patrons. The 2024 Royal Warrant is a powerful, modern endorsement of the hotel's enduring commitment to excellence under the new reign.

4. A Major Two-Year Renovation is Underway to Modernise the Icon

Since its acquisition by Qatari businessman Abdulhadi Mana Al-Hajri in 2020, the hotel has been preparing for a massive, multi-million-pound transformation. The ambitious two-year project aims to subtly modernise the hotel's infrastructure and amenities while meticulously preserving its iconic, Grade II listed heritage and opulent interiors, which feature a blend of Neoclassical and Baroque elements. This delicate balancing act ensures the hotel remains competitive with newer, high-tech luxury establishments without sacrificing the timeless elegance that attracts its devoted clientele.

5. The Rivoli Bar is Launching a New 'Biodynamic Forces' Menu in 2025

The Rivoli Bar, known for its stunning Art Deco design and sophisticated atmosphere, is set to introduce a new cocktail menu called "Biodynamic Forces" in January 2025. This move reflects a growing trend in luxury hospitality towards sustainability and thoughtful sourcing, mirroring the hotel's existing commitment to its Green Policy of using fresh, seasonal ingredients. This innovative menu promises a fresh, unique drinking experience that connects the bar's mixology with natural, seasonal cycles.

6. The Hotel Continues to Post Financial Losses Despite Record Turnover

Despite the high-profile awards and a jump in turnover, The Ritz London reported a financial loss for the fifth consecutive year in 2024. While turnover has increased, the high costs associated with maintaining a historic, ultra-luxury property, coupled with significant investment in staff and the impending costs of the major renovation, have impacted the bottom line. This financial reality underscores the massive operational challenge of keeping a historic, ultra-luxury institution at the absolute peak of its game.

7. The Quintessential Afternoon Tea Remains Unchanged and Essential

While the restaurant and bar evolve, the famed Afternoon Tea in the spectacular Palm Court remains the cornerstone of the Ritz experience. This British tradition, a pillar of the hotel's character since 1906, is rigorously maintained. The experience features a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked Cornish scones with clotted cream and jam, exquisite pastries, and a choice from 16 types of tea, including the signature The Ritz Royal English blend. This commitment to unchanging tradition provides a reassuring anchor amidst the hotel’s rapid developments and ensures a classic, cherished experience for every guest.

Topical Authority and The Ritz Experience

The Ritz London is more than just a hotel; it is a cultural landmark located in the heart of Piccadilly and Mayfair, overlooking one of London’s most beautiful open spaces. Its commitment to the highest standards extends to all areas, from its luxurious guestrooms and suites to its bespoke Children's Program, which offers treasure hunts and other activities for families. The recent accolades—the Two Michelin Stars, the Best UK Restaurant title, and the Royal Warrant—are not just awards; they are a clear signal that the Qatari ownership is successfully steering the historic property into a new golden age, blending its classic Louis XVI style with contemporary, world-leading standards of cuisine and service.

Visitors seeking the ultimate in British luxury should note that the hotel is easily accessible from major transport hubs, with Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and London City Airport (LCY) all within a reasonable distance. The ongoing transformation promises an even more refined experience, ensuring The Ritz London remains the yardstick against which all other luxury hotels are measured for decades to come.

The Ritz London’s Royal Revival: 7 Shocking New Facts About The UK’s Best Restaurant in 2025
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ritz hotel london

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