Is afternoon tea at The Ritz a rip-off?

JANET WILSON took on The Ritz in the small claims court after her complaints about the food and service were ignored by the management (Mail). My family and I also had a bad experience at The Ritz. The service was shocking, considering we paid £216 for a party of four. We had to ask for extra items and for the teapot to be refilled. The waiter was surly and reluctant to help us. We were even told not to sit at the bar as it was reserved for special clients. The Ritz appears to be fast losing its reputation as the place to go for special occasions. Afternoon tea at the Savoy is in a different league. P. SHEPHERD, Rotherham, S. Yorks. I WAS surprised a court ordered The Ritz to refund a lady who complained about spilled tea, hard scones and sandwiches being served from the fridge. My husband and I have had many afternoon teas there and have never been disappointed. If we requested more sandwiches, these were served freshly made.

BERNIE ADAMSON, Northampton. I TAKE my hat off to Janet Wilson, who had the courage to challenge The Ritz. Below-par standards are to be found at most venues; one wonders just what the catering trade judge to be ‘the standard’. Good service costs nothing: it only requires training and supervision. For many, eating out is not an occasion, it’s just satisfying a need to eat. Consequently, the quality of food and service is questionable. However, afternoon tea at The Ritz should leave no doubts in the mind of the customer when it comes to what to expect: the highest execution of service and a perfect repast. ANTHONY F. LOWE, Nottingham.