Located directly opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, The Rubens at The Palace offers a Royal Afternoon Tea that honours British tradition in a refined and welcoming setting. With views of the daily ceremonial activity and a strong focus on seasonality and service, the Afternoon Tea experience at The Rubens at The Palace brings together location, quality and attention to detail.

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the doorman and reception staff, all of whom were attentive and eager to assist. Afternoon Tea is served in the Palace Lounge, a richly decorated space with striped walls, deep red tones, and velvet upholstery. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a clear view of the Royal Mews. The setting is traditional and relaxed, with live piano music adding to the ambience. Tables are neatly laid with white linen, and guests are invited to enjoy a leisurely experience in keeping with the surroundings.

The Royal Afternoon Tea begins with a selection of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, including Scottish smoked salmon with chive cream cheese on Cape seed loaf, roast beef sirloin with horseradish cream on beetroot bread, and cucumber, apple and dill crème fraîche on Norfolk crunch. Vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free options are all available with 24 hours’ notice. Each variation follows a similar format, using high quality produce and incorporating thoughtful plant-based and allergen-friendly alternatives.

The savouries were well-balanced in both texture and flavour. The Scottish smoked salmon with chive cream cheese on Cape seed loaf offered a smooth, lightly tangy profile complemented by the nutty crunch of the bread. The roast beef sirloin on beetroot bread was tender and subtly seasoned, with the horseradish cream adding a gentle warmth. The Barber’s cheddar with plum tomato on onion bread delivered a classic combination with a slight sweetness from the tomato, while the cucumber, apple and dill crème fraîche sandwich was light and refreshing, making it a fitting palate cleanser. Each sandwich was neatly presented and generously filled without being overly rich.

Scones are served warm in a choice of plain, fruit or cheese, accompanied by a delicious clotted cream, seasonal homemade preserve, and lemon curd. The texture is light and well-balanced, and this was a particular highlight of our visit.

The pastry selection is designed by Executive Pastry Chef Sarah Houghting and showcases influences from Royal events and heritage flavours. Highlights include The Crown — a dark chocolate mousse with grapefruit confit and brownie — alongside a berry violet tart, hazelnut pâte à choux, and a carrot cake torte with apple jelly and orange whip. Vegan and gluten-free versions are carefully adapted without compromising presentation or flavour.

The pastries offered a thoughtful mix of textures and flavours, each with a distinct identity. The Crown stood out with its rich dark chocolate mousse, paired with a bright grapefruit confit that cut through the sweetness. The Hazelnut Pâte à Choux delivered a satisfying flavour, with pear cream and a praline-coffee ganache that gave it depth without overpowering. Each piece was visually refined and served in portions that allowed for a satisfying, but not overwhelming finish.

Teas are provided by P.M. David Silva & Sons. Guests can choose from a range of black, green, white and herbal teas, including blends exclusive to The Rubens such as The Rubens Tea and Royal Jubilee Tea. Teas are thoughtfully paired with menu items, and coffee or hot chocolate is available as an alternative.

Afternoon Tea is served daily from 12pm to 5pm (Monday to Friday and Sunday) and from 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays. Reservations are recommended. The dress code is smart casual, although such a beautiful room deserves the respect of a proper outfit.