The Rivoli Bar at The Ritz

Words by Simon Difford

Address: The Ritz London, (entrance via hotel lobby), London, W1J 9BR, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7493 8181
Website: view The Rivoli Bar at The Ritz’s website
Door: Make reservation
Style: Hotel bar
Food: Tapas/plates & dishes
Established: 2001

Review

Tucked inside the famous Ritz hotel, The Rivoli Bar opened in 2001 but there has been a bar inside The Ritz since its opening in 1906. This new bar with its stunning art deco interior was created as part of an overhaul in 2001.

There isn't an external entrance for the bar which means going through the main lobby, under its domed ceiling and past the suited attendants. The Rivoli Bar is off to the right-hand-side, behind the mirrored walls of the 'Long Gallery'. Inside is a small onyx marble bar seating four or five which is surrounded by walls of polished camphor wood and illuminated Lalique glass panels.

Be warned the Ritz is an old-school hotel and can be somewhat stuffy and unaccommodating. The hotel's own website demands the following dress code.

Dress Code
"Reflecting the elegant nature of the hotel's architecture The Ritz London has a dress code in different areas of the hotel as follows: Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie (jeans and sportswear are not permitted for either ladies or gentlemen) for afternoon tea in The Palm Court and for lunch and dinner in The Ritz Restaurant and Terrace. In all other areas of the hotel (The Ritz Restaurant breakfast service, The Rivoli Bar, The Long Gallery) and The Ritz Club, smart casual attire is suitable. Please note that trainers or sportswear are not permitted in any of the hotel or Club's restaurants or bars."