The Ritz London has launched a full investigation after afternoon tea guests were startled by the sight of a mouse running across the floor of its world-renowned restaurant.
An Unwelcome Guest at a Premium Experience
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 11, at around 8.30pm in the hotel's iconic dining room in the heart of Mayfair. Diners first became aware of a problem when they noticed other guests lifting their legs nervously and staff appearing to search for something. The mouse was then glimpsed, sparking anxiety among those present.
Video footage captured the creature running backwards and forwards on the floor as hotel staff watched on. Guests described a Fawlty-Towers style scenario that continued for about an hour, with the rodent being spotted three separate times. It was filmed scurrying between the mostly empty, round tables adorned with crisp white cloths.
One dismayed guest said: '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 celebrated afternoon tea, which features live piano music and a selection of 18 loose-leaf teas, starts from £95 per adult and £73 per child.
Not the First Unwelcome Visitor
This is not the first time The Ritz has dealt with unexpected intruders recently. In December, activists from the group Take Back Power marched into the venue and dumped bags of manure in front of its Christmas tree. The protest, targeting the 'obscenely wealthy', saw three members empty plastic bags of the substance onto the floor before being removed by security.
Take Back Power describes itself as a 'new nonviolent civil-resistance group' demanding the UK government establish a powerful citizen's assembly to tax extreme wealth.
Hotel Vows to Ensure Safety and Comfort
In response to the mouse incident, 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's investigation will now seek to understand how this breach of its five-star standards occurred in one of London's most salubrious venues.
