Taking tea is one of the quintessentially English occasions, and who is a greater authority on the subject than the sumptuous Ritz London Hotel? This charming Edwardian-style book captures the essence of this traditional British pastime, and provides us with all the expertise on the ceremony as well as the recipes. Stories about the legendary afternoon teas at The Ritz and fascinating details about the history of tea drinking are complemented with passages from such diverse writers as Charles Dickens to Oscar Wilde. Over fifty recipes are included for different kinds of afternoon tea specialities, from delicate sandwiches, strawberry shortcake and rose petal jam, to crumpets and muffins for hearty teas in front of a roaring fire. The author gives an infallible guide to the many blends of tea and their suitability to particular occasions. Beautifully presented and delightfully illustrated, this book is the perfect gift for tea drinkers everywhere.

h3AS SEEN ON TVh3 h3As featured on ITV's 'Inside the Ritz' seriesh3 hr 'When you look at the dishes in this book, the photographs - it's beyond beautiful. You wouldn't need to cook a thing. You could just flick through these pages - it is a proper feast for the eyes.' - Graham Norton 'As sumptuous as Williams's exquisite cooking, this is a magnificent volume. And a fitting tribute to one of the world's great restaurants. The recipes aren't simple but this is one of those books to immerse yourself in. Five-star brilliance.' - Tom Parker Bowles, Mail on Sunday 'Less a classic cookbook than a contemporary guide to gracious living... Subdividing its contents into four seasons, each is introed with a classic cocktail, and there are contributions from The Ritz's stellar staff. But really this is Williams's show, a masterclass in munificence...' - British GQ 'A real tour de force ... Definitely the stand-out recipe book of the year for me.' - The Caterer 'John Williams's food at the Piccadilly institution is revered. Now it has brought out the cookbook so you can recreate the magic at home.' - ES Magazine 'Part technical recipe book, part memoir. There are Williams's memories of growing up in South Shields, the son of a trawlerman, who accompanied his mother on shopping trips to the butcher and developed a precocious taste for tripe and Jersey Royals. As for the recipes, certain classics are within the range of the dinner-party cook (salt-baked celeriac, for instance, or venison Wellington).' - Telegraph 'A work of art, full of recipes exactly as they are made in the Ritz kitchen, beautifully photographed by John Carey. Marvel at the sheer amount of work and skill that goes into each dish, the processes and the perfectionism - and maybe start with the recipe for scones on page 112.' - hot-dinners.com '... As an exemplar of classic and timeless dishes, it is an invaluable book that lets the reader peer behind the screen of one of the capital's most enduring institutions. For Williams' anecdote on the eating habits of the late Margaret Thatcher, it is worth the cover price alone.' - Big Hospitality 'Distinctive cookbook... This upscale offering is wholly in keeping with its subject: elegant, carefully studied, and more aspirational than practical.' - Publishers Weekly The Ritz: The Quintessential Cookbook is the first book to celebrate recipes of the dishes served today, at lunch and at dinner. The book features 100 delicious recipes, such as Roast scallops bergamot & avocado, Saddle of lamb belle époque and Grand Marnier Soufflé, and is divided into the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The recipes reflect the glorious opulence and celebratory ambience of The Ritz; seasonal dishes of fish, shellfish, meat, poultry and game. Desserts include pastries, mousses, ice creams and spectacular, perfectly-risen soufflés. There are recipes that are simple and others for the more ambitious cook, plus helpful tips to guide you at home. Along the way, John Williams shares his culinary philosophy and expertise. For any cook who has wondered how they do it at The Ritz, this book will provide the answers. There will be plenty of entertaining tales about the hotel and unique glimpses of London's finest kitchen beneath ground.

The Ritz London.

Christmas at The Ritz London, with the choir singing carols in the opulent Palm Court and the Long Gallery lined with Christmas trees, is a glorious celebration of this age-old festival. This charming Edwardian-style book captures the essence of a traditional Christmas, showing how you can recreate this elegance in your own home. The innate sense of tradition, style and sophistication of The Ritz is embodied in the delightfully illustrated collection of sumptuous recipes with literary and historical descriptions of Christmas past and Christmas present. The Ritz London Book of Christmas captures all the great traditions of The Ritz London to make your Christmas an exceptional and elegant event. Over fifty delicious recipes are included for all aspects of the Christmas festivities from traditional mince pies and roast turkey with chestnut and sausagemeat stuffing to Dr Johnson's punch.

From cucumber sandwiches to jam and scones, this comprehensive cookery book from the National Trust is chock full of recipes that go perfectly with a cup of tea. Afternoon tea is the quintessential British ritual. And with over 100 tearooms across the country, the National Trust knows a thing or two about it. This gift-sized guide has delicious recipes for savory and sweet treats, whether you’re looking for a lively party, the last word in elegance or a hearty winter tea by the fire. From sandwiches and tarts to cakes, scones, macaroons and preserves – some are classic, some have a twist, such as cucumber sandwiches with minted cream cheese, toasted farmhouse bread with anchovy butter, the classic Victoria sponge, brandysnaps or scones. Plus there’s everything you need to know to brew the perfect pot of tea (not to mention the odd cocktail and bowl of punch). Food historian Laura Mason also includes some fascinating and amusing historical recipes that reveal how afternoon tea was taken in times gone by and the origins of some of our beloved dishes.

London and tea go together like jam and scones, and this lovely guide presents 40 fine places to enjoy afternoon tea in the city. From classic spots like Claridge's and the Wolseley to more unexpected, off-the-beaten-path places, there's something here to suit every taste and budget. A history of the venues, details on their available teas, and advice on nearby attractions make this the hippest, most up-to-date source of information for London residents and tourists alike

Offers breakfast recipes from one of Europe's most respected restaurants, covering simple, health-conscious meals, as well as more complex and decidedly richer ones, with a special section on beverages and marmalades

Packed with gorgeous images, this informative guide contains details on every aspect of the formal tea, including how to make and serve it at its very best, the etiquette of tea-drinking, the correct china and silverware to use, how to host a tea party, and even how the tea gown evolved.

The ultimate teatime recipe collection with an introduction to serving traditional afternoon tea, photographed throughout.

"Presents a guide to a selection of London's venues that uphold the English custom of afternoon tea, including information about each establishment, their variety of teas, and their locations"--