The Rubens at the Palace Royal Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, located opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. Known for its regal ambiance and impeccable service, this Afternoon Tea is inspired by the traditions of British royalty.
A Curated Tea Selection
Choose from a thoughtfully curated selection of fine teas, including Assam, Earl Grey, and Darjeeling, alongside specialty blends exclusive to The Rubens. Each infusion is carefully selected to enhance the accompanying delicacies.
Savoury Delights & Finger Sandwiches
The experience begins with an assortment of finely crafted sandwiches, featuring traditional fillings such as Scottish smoked salmon, roast chicken with tarragon mayonnaise, and cucumber with cream cheese. Each bite is a perfect blend of flavour and sophistication.
Signature Pastries & Warm Scones
Indulge in a selection of handmade pastries, beautifully presented and inspired by Royal traditions. Guests will also enjoy freshly baked scones, served warm with clotted cream and homemade preserves, offering an authentic taste of British heritage.
A Royal Champagne Experience
For an extra touch of luxury, guests can upgrade to the Champagne Afternoon Tea, featuring a glass of Lanson Champagne, perfect for adding an element of celebration and indulgence.
Book Your Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace
Perfect for those seeking an elegant and traditional Afternoon Tea experience, The Rubens provides a truly royal setting. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Address :
39 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PS
Opening Hours :
Monday to Friday
Saturdays
Sunday
12pm to 5pm
Reviews
We had an amazing Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea in London with my visiting parents. The warm welcome, impeccable service, cozy atmosphere, festive decorations, and delicious mulled wine made it a perfect experience. The tea selection was vast, and the preset menu was absolutely delightful and beautifully presented!
The charming-yet-whimsical dining space overlooks Buckingham Palace. I found it fun to people watch as I drank my tea. I also appreciated the live piano music. One thing thing I want to point out is the seating! While there were traditional look-into-each-others-eyes style tables, there were also couch-style seats which were a rather pleasant way to share food.
My friend and I had the pleasure of experiencing our first proper tea at Rubens. The wait staff were very accommodating and our selections were terrific. We shared the Chocolate Imperial tea which warmed us after a windy day of walking. The sandwich and dessert selections were so scrumptious and we had plenty to take home with us.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Winter Wonderland afternoon tea on Christmas Day (2025). Kamal was so gracious and attentive and provided excellent (and tasty!) tea recommendations. Our servers were wonderful, and the food was delicious. We will definitely return for tea at The Rubens at the Palace again on another trip to London!
I went for afternoon tea with my mum and it was incredible. To start, the service by Kamal and his team makes for a welcoming and warm experience. They source their tea selection from Sri Lanka, and there are many teas to choose from with the option to try as many teas as you like.
The Park Tower Knightsbridge
Served in the elegant Knightsbridge Lounge, Afternoon Tea at Park Tower Knightsbridge features stunning décor, including a glass chandelier and hand-painted magnolia blossoms. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, such as smoked salmon on rye and chicken with tarragon mayonnaise, along with signature pastries like chocolate praline tart and raspberry & rose éclair.
An extensive tea selection complements the menu, with the option to add Champagne. Served daily from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, this refined experience is perfect for special occasions or leisurely afternoons. Reservations recommended.
Piglets Pantry London
Piglet’s Pantry offers handmade afternoon tea hampers delivered across the UK which are perfect for gifts, celebrations, or a weekend treat. Their Classic Tea for Two features quiches, scones, cakes, and more, made with quality ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan, and family-friendly options, including kids' biscuit kits, are also available. All hampers arrive fresh, packed for convenience. Order or explore the full range online at https://www.pigletspantry.co.uk/afternoon-teas/
Queens of Mayfair
For an elegant yet modern afternoon tea, Queens of Mayfair offers a boutique-style experience in one of London’s most exclusive districts. Known for its artisanal produce, exquisite patisserie, and specialty coffee, this intimate venue provides a refined take on British tradition.
Enjoy gourmet savouries, buttermilk scones with house-made preserves, and beautifully crafted desserts, including pistachio éclairs and signature macarons. Pair with luxury teas, single-origin coffee, or Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A sophisticated and artisanal afternoon tea in Mayfair.
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a sky-high Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La The Shard, blending Eastern tradition with Western indulgence. The menu features handmade dumplings, Peking duck pancakes, savoury baos, finger sandwiches, and scones with an oriental twist.
Enjoy matcha cakes, yuzu tarts, sesame praline choux, and gold-leaf chocolate truffles, paired with premium Chinese and British teas. Guests can enhance the experience with Champagne or a Lunar New Year cocktail. Advance booking recommended for this limited-time celebration.
The Milestone Hotel
Overlooking Kensington Palace, The Milestone Hotel offers a luxurious afternoon tea in an elegant setting with live piano music. Guests enjoy classic finger sandwiches, including smoked Scottish salmon on beetroot bread, alongside warm scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves. The patisserie selection features chocolate ganache tarts, Victoria sponge, and Earl Grey mousse, paired with a curated tea menu or Champagne upgrade.
Vegan, gluten-free, and children’s afternoon tea options are available. A refined and traditional experience in the heart of London.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Located in historic Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa’s Afternoon Tea blends Georgian elegance with modern indulgence. Served in Montagu’s Mews or the secluded gardens, guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, and seasonal pastries like raspberry & pistachio tart and chocolate mousse.
A curated tea selection, including the Royal Crescent Blend, pairs perfectly with the menu. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting at £45 per person, with Champagne and children’s options available. Advance reservations recommended.
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