Putting on The Ritz

Me and Lola at The Ritz

Rachel, Me, Maggie, Caroline and Nic at The Ritz.

Yesterday I went for Tea at The Ritz as part of my 50th birthday celebrations.

It was a wonderful afternoon and one I will treasure for the rest of my life.

There is something quite magical about The Ritz.

There is nowhere like it and you feel that the minute you walk through the door.

The setting is simply stunning and it's impossible not to feel very special sitting in the beautiful Palm Court, with its opulent gilt decor.

The tea itself is a wonder - exquisite sandwiches, light as air scones and divine cakes, as well as the freshly brewed tea.

The waiters are attentive and polite and seem to take real pleasure in the fact that everyone is there to celebrate something.

I loved it when they brought out my birthday cake and the pianist played 'Happy Birthday' and everyone clapped.

It was a magic moment.

In fact everything about the day was magic - the atmosphere, the food, the surroundings.

But most of all, the people.

I have known Nic, Caroline, Maggie and Rachel for over 30 years.

They are my closest friends and I feel incredibly lucky to have them.

We have been through so much together and we've always been there for each other through the good times and the bad.

That means a great deal.

There's also the shared history - the weddings, the children, the careers and, sadly, the losses of loved ones as well.

We all met at university and have been through some life-changing experiences together.

We've laughed and we've cried - but mostly we've had fun.

Whenever, I'm with them there's always lots of laughter - and a lot of love.

I'd count myself lucky to know any one of them.

But to have them as a group of friends makes me feel I'm especially privileged.

So to celebrate my half century with them at The Ritz was the perfect thing to do.

And having my darling daughter Lola there was the icing on the cake.