The AfternoonTea.co.uk team were honoured to have spent the day at Rubens at the Palace in preparation for the King’s Coronation. Situated directly opposite The Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace – the entrance used by the Royal family, this is one of London’s best locations to celebrate such a historic occasion.

The Coronation Afternoon Tea is served in The Palace Lounge, with a direct view of The Royal Mews. This new menu has been specially curated by Sarah Houghting, who you may recognise from GBBO: The Professionals. She informs us that inspiration for the tea came from different aspects of the Royal family as a whole. ‘My main focus was keeping things seasonal, which is close to the King’s heart,’ she explains.

The Orchard Fruit piece is filled with plum confit which are flavours loved by His Royal Majesty, finished with a Madagascan vanilla sponge and praline cremeux. This was especially designed with the King in mind as it’s one of his favourite fruits. ‘And I think it will become a new favourite among our guests!’ Sarah adds. She explains how the intention is to showcase British food at its finest, from the savoury selection, traditional scones right through to the sweet pastries. Her favourite pastry is the raspberry and pistachio. ‘The combination is a classic and it’s the best way to show case our delicious raspberries.

Additional components have been added, making this Afternoon Tea extra special: a spiced Welsh lamb sausage roll is served alongside traditional finger sandwiches and a delicious cheese scone accompanies the customary plain and fruit, served with seasonal strawberry preserve, lemon curd and, of course, clotted cream.

The sweet selection not only has flavours linked to royalty, but their shape also reflects the event. With pieces shapes as a crown, and the King’s favourite fruit, the attention to detail is apparent in both taste and aesthetics.

Vince Castronovo, General Manager, tells us that "It was an absolute privilege for The Rubens at the Palace, which is located on Buckingham Palace Road, to honour the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. With a stone's throw distance from the Royal Mews we celebrated this momentous occasion with a programme. Guests experiencing the tea during that week witnessed the Jubilee Flypast as well as the The Gold State Coach just a few metres away. It was a privilege not only to make record-breaking covers for the event but to also be part of something truly historic and special.'

A truly fantastic week where we definitely played our part in creating those special memories celebrating the amazing achievement of Her Majesty. There really was no better place to be. The excitement and anticipation was on another level and one had to be here to fully appreciate how immersive the occasion was. We now look forward to presenting and hosting our programme for the upcoming King's Charles III's Coronation, which will be another joyous celebration where we as well as our guests have the privilege of being part of history."

King's Coronation Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at The Palace starts from £70.00pp. Click here for more details. 

A sweet and sticky six-course Coronation Afternoon Tea will be served at the King's Coronation Afternoon Tea Event on 6th May 2023, priced from £100pp. Find details here.

On 7th May 2023, Rubens at The Palace will be holding a King's Coronation Street Party Afternoon Tea, priced from £99.00pp. Click here for more details.