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.
Rails Restaurant
Located in King’s Cross, Rails Restaurant offers a modern take on afternoon tea, blending British tradition with French patisserie. Guests enjoy savoury delights such as truffle egg mayonnaise on brioche and Comté cheese croissants, followed by warm scones with clotted cream and French-inspired pastries, including raspberry & rose macarons and dark chocolate ganache cake.
A curated tea selection complements the experience, with Champagne and cocktail upgrades available. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus ensure an inclusive stylish and contemporary afternoon tea.
Fait Maison Berkeley Street
Located in Mayfair, Fait Maison Berkeley Street offers a charming afternoon tea blending British tradition with a Mediterranean twist. Guests enjoy classic finger sandwiches, warm homemade scones with clotted cream, and an exquisite patisserie selection, featuring French pastries and Middle Eastern-inspired sweets.
The floral-themed setting provides an elegant and inviting ambiance, perfect for special occasions and gatherings. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. Advance reservations recommended to experience this unique fusion of flavors in a stunning Mayfair location.
The Ampersand Hotel
Inspired by The Science Museum, The Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel offers a fun, interactive twist on tradition. The menu features planet-shaped cakes, petri dish desserts, and “volcanic” scones, making it perfect for families and science lovers.
Guests enjoy savoury bites, chocolate dinosaur eggs with raspberry mousse, and a smoky dry ice cocktail. A selection of specialty loose-leaf teas is available. Vegetarian and gluten-free options can be requested. Served daily from 12:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Advance reservations recommended.
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.
The Lanesborough
Enjoy a regal Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough, inspired by Bridgerton and served in The Lanesborough Grill. Expect elegant finger sandwiches, warm scones, and character-themed pastries, all paired with fine teas or themed cocktails. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and children’s options available. A luxurious, theatrical experience perfect for fans and traditional tea lovers alike.
TĪNG Restaurant, Shangri-La The Shard
Perched on Level 35 of The Shard, TĪNG offers a luxurious afternoon tea with panoramic London views, blending British tradition with Asian-inspired elegance. Guests enjoy savoury delights such as Cornish crab tartlets and smoked salmon with ponzu crème fraîche, alongside freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
The signature patisserie selection features matcha opera cake, yuzu mousse, and dark chocolate & cherry tart, paired with premium loose-leaf teas or Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Advance booking recommended.
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