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 Wolseley
Located in Mayfair, The Wolseley offers a classic afternoon tea in a grand Art Deco setting. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, including smoked salmon & cream cheese and Coronation chicken, alongside warm scones with clotted cream and homemade jam. The patisserie selection features raspberry macarons, chocolate éclairs, and Victoria sponge, paired with premium loose-leaf teas or Champagne.
A relaxed yet refined experience, perfect for special occasions or a stylish afternoon in London. Advance booking recommended.
The Chesterfield Mayfair
Indulge in the Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair, a playful twist on the British tradition inspired by childhood treats. Served in a light-filled conservatory, this award-winning afternoon tea is perfect for families, friends, and nostalgic sweet lovers.
Enjoy classic savoury sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and themed patisserie delights like Drumstick macarons and liquorice allsorts cheesecake. Pair your experience with signature teas or Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A fun and indulgent tea experience in Mayfair.
Rhosyn Restaurant, Penally Abbey
Penally Abbey’s Rhosyn Restaurant offers a refined afternoon tea experience with views over the Pembrokeshire coast. Served Wednesday to Sunday, the menu includes finger sandwiches, homemade cakes, pastries, and scones with clotted cream and jam. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available with 24 hours’ notice. Priced at £32 per person, bookings are required in advance. Guests dine in a light-filled space overlooking the gardens. Enquiries can be made via phone or the Penally Abbey website.
The Berkeley, London
Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley blends style and flavour in the Collins Room with fashion-inspired pastries like the Red Apple and Passion Fruit Entremet, Peanut Cookie, and Grapefruit Pavlova. Served alongside delicate savoury navettes and an extensive tea menu or champagne, it’s a refined treat with a modern edge. Ideal for fashion lovers and those after something different, this experience offers creativity and elegance in equal measure. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
Claridge’s
Nestled in Mayfair, Claridge’s Afternoon Tea blends luxury and tradition. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with Claridge’s jam and Cornish clotted cream, and seasonal pastries. A curated tea selection, including Claridge’s Blend and Oolong, enhances the experience.
Served in elegant surroundings with impeccable service, it’s perfect for special occasions or indulgent afternoons. A Children’s Afternoon Tea ensures an inclusive experience. Served daily from 2:45 pm to 5:30 pm, prices start at £95 per person. Advance reservations recommended.
Hotel Café Royal
Indulge in pure luxury with Afternoon Tea at The Grill Room, a historic and opulent space adorned with gilded ceilings, velvet seating, and live music. Enjoy a sophisticated menu featuring elegant savouries, buttery scones, and exquisite pâtisserie, all served with rare teas or Champagne.
This iconic experience is perfect for special occasions, couples, and afternoon tea connoisseurs. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Step into London’s golden era and book your table today.
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