CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS.
CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS.2006 was a very special year for The Ritz, marking our 100th year as the finest hotel in the world. Throughout our Centenary year there have been a series of special events to mark this auspicious occasion.The Centenary celebrations started on New Years Eve with a lavish celebration; in The Ritz Restaurant the RAF Regimental Marching Band entertained a black tie audience, outside, fireworks ushered in the New Year. Throughout the year, fascinating items from The Ritz archive were on display around the hotel. These rare photos, letters and items, many not seen in public before provided an intriguing insight into a century at the world's most celebrated hotel. In February a special centenary edition of "The Ritz Hotel London" by renowned historian Marcus Binney CBE went on sale, with a forward from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. On May the 24th, one hundred years to the day since Cesar Ritz held a dinner to celebrate the opening of his new hotel, The Ritz hosted a lavish Centennial Reception. Around 250 guests from all over the world were welcomed by Deputy Chairman Andrew Love and General Manager Stephen Boxall. A Centennial toast was made by The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Alexander Nichol, and drunk to with Ritz Selection Cuvee Privee Rose and The Ritz 100, the birthday cocktail. The evening's menu boasted canapés of smoked salmon Moscovite, Californian sushi rolls and foie gras bon bon among other treats, and a Soufflé Chef made Grand Marnier soufflés to order. The Centennial Reception was also the debut of The Ritz Rose, over 200 of which were used by The Ritz florist Paul Thomas in 25 spectacular displays. July saw a parade of 250 different cars including our very own Ritz Rolls-Royce make its way through the capital to celebrate the return of The British International Motor Show to London. Huge crowds turned out to see vehicles from every decade of the last 100 years, from vintage Model T Fords up to our 2006 Phantom. 100 years of cars, and 100 years of The Ritz, a joint celebration.
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Some notable Centenary launches:The Ritz Bowl; hand thrown by Evan Williams at Miranda Thomas Pottery in Bridgewater, Vermont and painted by Arthur Davis' granddaughter Miranda Thomas. The Ritz Rose; a new bloom created the Pressman nurseries in Amsterdam is an exquisite bloom with a beautiful ivory colour, petals edged in a delicate green and a subtle, natural fragrance. The Ritz 100 Cocktail; a tempting blend of Gold Vodka, Grand Marnier, Peach Liqueur and Champagne.
The Ritz Centenary Champagne. Blended to the hotel's unique specifications Ritz Champagne offers an elegant, rich, refreshingly well-balanced cuvee with a fine bubble and delicate taste.
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