Patrons enjoying a premium afternoon tea at one of London's most famous hotels were left horrified after an uninvited rodent guest made several appearances in the opulent dining room.
A Fawlty Towers Moment at The Ritz
The incident, described by witnesses as a scene reminiscent of the classic British comedy Fawlty Towers, unfolded on Sunday, January 11. Diners at The Ritz London in Mayfair first became aware something was amiss when they noticed fellow guests nervously lifting their feet and staff searching the area.
According to reports, the mouse was first spotted at approximately 8.30pm. One guest managed to capture a blurry photograph of the creature scurrying under chairs. The unsettling episode is said to have persisted for around an hour, with the rodent being sighted on three separate occasions.
"You Pay a Premium for This Experience"
One dismayed guest told SWNS news agency: "I was so surprised. Everyone felt very anxious. You pay a premium for this experience. It was a real treat for us. We'd been looking forward to it for ages."
The Ritz's afternoon tea is a quintessential luxury experience, featuring:
- The hotel's signature-blend tea.
- Live piano performances.
- Five daily sittings.
- Prices starting from £95 per adult and £73 per child.
The contrast between this high-cost, refined setting and the unexpected wildlife visitor contributed to the guests' shock.
Hotel Launches Immediate Investigation
In response to the reports, a spokesperson for The Ritz London stated: "The Ritz Hotel takes matters of this nature extremely seriously and is conducting a full investigation. Our commitment is to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests and colleagues."
The hotel, which prides itself on delivering unparalleled luxury and service, is now examining the circumstances that led to the breach in its usually impeccable standards. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even the most prestigious establishments are not immune to such unexpected challenges.
