Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace

The best part of this afternoon tea is the setting: The Rubens at the Palace sits opposite Buckingham Palace’s Royal Mews, giving you a fine view of palace comings and goings while you eat. Inside, the Palace Lounge supplies the old-school British mood, with polished service, plush surroundings, and a proper tea menu.

I like the combination of excellent scones and carefully prepared tea, two details that matter more than fancy furniture. I also like the generous food service, which can replace a light meal and often leaves enough cakes or sandwiches to take away. The main caution is value: at $114.38 per person, you are paying for location and ceremony as much as for the food.

Key points

• Royal Mews views: Request or hope for a window-side table overlooking the palace service area.
• Classic Palace Lounge setting: Expect British elegance rather than a casual café atmosphere.
• Strong tea selection: The menu includes a wide choice, with jasmine and rooibos singled out as memorable options.
• Plenty to eat: Finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and tea can add up to a full meal.
• Useful dietary choices: Vegetarian, vegan, Halal, and gluten-free menus are possible with at least 72 hours’ notice.
• Smart dress required: Avoid sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts.

The Rubens location, opposite the Royal Mews

The Rubens at the Palace is at 39 Buckingham Palace Road, directly opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. You make your own way there, so this is not a guided sightseeing tour with a coach or walking escort. It is a reserved hotel experience built around afternoon tea.

That independent arrival is simple if you are already visiting central London. The hotel is near public transportation, and the location works well before or after Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Westminster, or Victoria. Allow time to arrive 15 minutes before your booking, especially if you are unfamiliar with London’s busy streets.

The palace view is not the grand front facade of Buckingham Palace. It is the Royal Mews and the working side entrance area, with cars, staff, children, and other activity sometimes visible from the lounge. That distinction matters. If you picture a sweeping view of the palace’s main front, adjust your expectations. The view is more intimate and practical, offering a glimpse of palace operations rather than a postcard panorama.

For many people, that is part of the appeal. You can watch the comings and goings while sitting in a warm, polished room, with no need to queue or stand outside. The best tables appear to be near the windows, but seating is not guaranteed, and window-side arrangements can feel a little tight.

Entering the Palace Lounge

The hotel’s interior provides much of the ceremony. The Palace Lounge is designed for a refined afternoon rather than a quick snack. Expect plush furnishings, formal table service, and the sense that you should slow down for a while.

You are not joining a large group, and there is no guide narrating the palace or explaining London history. This is a private activity for your own group, with the hotel team handling the meal. That makes it a good choice if you want quiet time with a partner, family, or friends.

Service is an important part of the experience. At its best, staff explain the teas, help you choose, and keep the meal moving at a relaxed pace. Some diners have received especially attentive help with tea choices and dietary requests. Bianca is one staff member singled out for personal attention, including boxing up food that could not be finished.

Service can vary, however. One poor experience involved a long wait before the first course, no water at the table, and difficulty finding the server for refills. That is not the expected standard for a five-star hotel, but it is a useful reminder to speak up if your tea or water runs out. The meal is much more enjoyable when the staff keep the pots and plates moving.

What arrives at the afternoon tea table

The standard menu is called The Rubens Royal Afternoon Tea. It includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and teas. The exact flavors change, so you should treat any sample menu as a guide rather than a promise.

The sandwiches are served in small portions, as tradition requires. You may receive several varieties, with vegetarian versions available when arranged in advance. The portions can look modest at first, but the full combination of sandwiches, scones, and sweets is enough to replace a light meal for many people.

The scones are one of the strongest reasons to book. They arrive fresh and are served with clotted cream, giving the meal its most recognizable British touch. If you love a warm scone, this is where the booking earns some of its keep. Ask about replenishment if you are still hungry, since the tea service has been described as generous.

The pastry course brings the visual flourish. Sample treats have included carrot cupcakes, marshmallows, and other small cakes. The desserts are carefully presented, and their sweetness provides a clear contrast to the savory sandwiches. You may find the quantity more than you can finish in one sitting, especially if you choose Champagne as well.

Do not expect a full restaurant lunch with large portions of meat, vegetables, or a plated main course. Afternoon tea is built from small bites. The value comes from the whole ritual, the quality of the pastries, the tea service, and the setting.

Choosing from the tea menu

Tea is not an afterthought here. You choose from a selection of freshly brewed teas, and the staff can help if you are not a regular tea drinker. That guidance matters because a large menu can be less welcoming if nobody explains the differences.

Jasmine tea has been praised for its strong aroma, while rooibos has also made a memorable impression. You may find a favorite you would not have ordered without assistance. The tea itself is one of the clearest ways this experience differs from a basic hotel buffet.

The booking includes beverages, but the details of refills and service can depend on the pace of the meal and the staff member assigned to your table. The overall sitting typically lasts around 90 minutes, although the advertised activity duration is approximately two hours. Plan your schedule around a relaxed meal rather than a quick stop.

If you do not drink tea, you can still enjoy the food and setting. The children’s menu includes alternatives such as milkshake, hot chocolate, or soda. Adult drinks are also available to buy, but alcohol is not included unless you choose the Champagne option.

The optional Champagne upgrade

Champagne adds a festive note, especially for an anniversary, birthday, or romantic afternoon. Several diners have considered the upgrade worthwhile, while others have found the drinks expensive. That split makes sense: the Champagne is a luxury extra, not a practical addition.

Check your confirmation carefully if you pay for the upgrade. One booking problem involved a guest being charged an additional £60 at the hotel despite having already paid for Champagne. I would keep the booking voucher handy and confirm the inclusion when you are seated. Champagne is served only to adults aged 18 and over.

You can also buy alcoholic drinks at the hotel, but they are not included in the base price. If you are mainly interested in the tea and food, skip the upgrade and use the money for another London attraction. If the occasion matters more than the budget, the glass helps make the afternoon feel special.

Dietary needs and the children’s tea

The hotel can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, Halal, and gluten-free diets, but you need to give at least 72 hours’ notice. Contact the provider after booking with your requirements. The hotel cannot guarantee dishes that are completely free from all allergens or traces, so anyone with a serious allergy should ask specific questions before confirming.

The dietary planning appears useful rather than cosmetic. Vegetarian diners can receive meat-free sandwiches and desserts, and vegan options have been well received. Still, do not arrive expecting a last-minute custom menu. Afternoon tea involves a prepared pastry kitchen, so advance notice is essential.

Children aged five to 12 can have the Little Prince and Princess Tea. It includes bite-size sandwiches, fresh scones, selected pastries, and a choice of tea, milkshake, hot chocolate, or soda. This is a good family option if your child is interested in dressing up and feeling part of the occasion.

The standard adult tea may suit older children, but portions and flavors are designed with adults in mind. One family found the children’s offering preferable for a 15-year-old, so it is worth asking about the choices if your teenager is a selective eater.

Smart-casual clothing is part of the deal

The dress code is smart casual. Sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts are not accepted, and guests who do not follow the policy may be refused entry to the restaurants and bars.

You do not need formal evening clothes, but this is not the place for beachwear or gym clothes. A neat shirt, blouse, dress, smart trousers, or a clean tailored outfit will fit the room. If your London day includes a lot of walking, plan ahead so you are not arriving in sightseeing clothes that look too casual.

The dress code adds to the atmosphere, but it also creates a practical limitation. Families and casual visitors should know this before booking. A little preparation helps you feel comfortable rather than conspicuous.

Is $114.38 per person fair?

At $114.38 per person, this is expensive for sandwiches, cakes, and tea alone. You can find cheaper afternoon teas in London. The price makes more sense if you place a high value on the Buckingham Palace address, hotel setting, table service, and sense of occasion.

The meal is substantial enough to replace lunch for many people. You receive several courses of small food, a tea selection, and time to sit in a formal setting. The food is generally described as fresh and well presented, with scones and desserts receiving the most praise.

Still, the price is not a bargain. One honest assessment described the meal as fun and filling but questioned paying so much for a short period of feeling posh. That is a fair criticism. You are buying an event, not simply calories.

I would compare it with the cost of another London attraction you might otherwise book. If you want a polished afternoon connected to Buckingham Palace, this has a clear purpose. If you only want a cup of tea and a pastry, choose a less expensive café.

Timing, cancellations, and booking details

The experience is often booked about 35 days ahead, which suggests you should reserve early if your London dates are fixed. You receive confirmation at booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you do not need a printed voucher.

The advertised duration is approximately two hours, while the seated tea itself is commonly described as about 90 minutes. Arrive 15 minutes early. The booking ends back at the hotel, with no transportation provided.

Pay close attention to the cancellation terms shown at the time of purchase. The supplied information gives two different statements: one says a full refund or date change is offered up to 24 hours before the visit, while another says the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. Because those terms conflict, I would confirm the policy directly before paying, especially if your flight or London schedule could change.

The hotel does not provide pickup or drop-off. You travel independently, and the activity is private for your group. There is no guide to meet you, so contact the provider promptly if you arrive and the reservation cannot be found.

Who will enjoy this afternoon tea?

I would choose this experience for a first visit to London when you want one distinctly British ritual without spending a full day on a formal tour. It also suits couples, families with children, and friends who enjoy conversation over food.

It is particularly good for:

• A romantic afternoon near Buckingham Palace
• A rainy day when you want a warm indoor plan
• A first London visit with limited time
• A birthday, anniversary, or special family meal
• Anyone who cares about tea quality and fresh scones
• Diners who need vegetarian, vegan, Halal, or gluten-free choices arranged ahead

I would hesitate if your budget is tight, you dislike formal settings, or you expect a guided palace visit. You will not tour Buckingham Palace, enter the Royal Mews, or receive a history lecture. The palace is the backdrop, not the attraction you explore.

Should you book The Rubens afternoon tea?

Book it if you want the full ceremony: a prestigious address, Palace Lounge surroundings, views toward the Royal Mews, careful tea service, fresh scones, and a generous pastry course. The combination is especially appealing for a first London visit or a special occasion.

Skip it if you are mainly looking for the cheapest afternoon tea in London. At $114.38 per person, the setting and occasion must matter to you. Confirm the cancellation terms, request dietary arrangements 72 hours ahead, arrive dressed smartly, and keep your voucher available if you add Champagne.

For the right occasion, The Rubens offers more than tea and cake. It gives you a polished pause beside Buckingham Palace, with enough food to make the afternoon feel like a real part of your London trip.

FAQ

Where does the afternoon tea take place?

It takes place at The Rubens at the Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS, opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace.

How long does the experience last?

The listed activity duration is approximately two hours. The seated tea is commonly described as lasting about 90 minutes.

Is transportation included?

No. You travel independently to the hotel, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What food and drinks are included?

The Royal Afternoon Tea includes finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a selection of teas. Beverages are included, while Champagne is included only if you select that option.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Vegetarian, vegan, Halal, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Tell the provider about allergies or dietary restrictions at least 72 hours before the booking. The hotel cannot guarantee completely allergen-free dishes.

What should I wear?

The dress code is smart casual. Sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts are not permitted.