afternoon tea at the ritz

Enjoy yourself, you can wear almost anything which could be described as smart casual. Re: shoes, if you can manage to take a spare pair it seems to relieve any pain to simply put on a different pair and then later swap back.

I think that given the weather, a fox fur would not be out of place. I also agree about the shoes. I used to be able to wear "ordinary" shoes in London until I developed "shin splints" after one particularly long day pounding the pavements and have gone for cushion soles ever since. I do sometimes(!) try for smart, but mostly either sensible "lady from the Shires" flats or (if feeling very daring) coloured trainers - although not for the Ritz! If you are coming into Euston, Green Park underground is opposite the Ritz and an easy underground trip.Went to the Wolsey with DDs for my birthday a couple (well 5) years ago and thought what a nice Mother/Daughter thing it was to do. I hope you have a lovely day out!

What a lovely gift, I hope that you enjoy your day out. Try not to worry too much about dress, I am sure that you will look smart.
Yes, the pavements are heard and you find that there is a hike between places.
Word of warning-taxis are hideously expensive.

mrsjamjam that's interesting re the hard pavements. I had sore hips when I first arrived here from SA and so did other women of a certain age in the South African expat community and I am sure that the hard pavements and lots of walking had something to do with it (where I came from you walked on grass verges a lot). After a while it settled down. But my feet take a pounding here because I walk a lot. Love it most when I can get my toes out (in sandals). We're always barefeet inside the house.

What a lovely gift, willsandco. You've had plenty of good suggestions, enjoy

Make sure your shoes are comfortable for walking. We live in the countrry, and on rare visits to London I find the pavements hideously hard - I've got too used to wellies and mud. Smart trousers and top will be fine if you are not a skirt/dress kind of gal.

My mum wore a dress/jacket combo with a pretty scarf.

How about a dress in a jersey material. That shouldn't crease on the train. You could dress it up with a pretty scarf. Have a great time.

Galen, that must have made your day! (GOM being refused entry)

Men must wear a jacket and tie! GOM next door was refused entry!
Just wear a nice dress or skirt and top. ( not t shirt)

Was there in November - I wore a simple dress with a very pretty scarf. Men need jacket and ties. It was lovely - very friendly and relaxed and plenty to eat!