Royal Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace

Proud recipient of the Afternoon Tea Awards 2026 Award of Excellence

Experience a truly Royal Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, London's closest hotel to Buckingham Palace. Overlooking the Royal Mews, the elegant Palace Lounge provides a memorable setting in which to enjoy one of Britain's most cherished traditions, accompanied by warm, attentive hospitality.

Celebrating British heritage with a contemporary flourish, the hotel's award-winning Royal Afternoon Tea is thoughtfully created by Executive Pastry Chef Cristina Sangiorgio and her talented team. Savour a selection of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, warm, homemade plain and fruit scones with clotted cream and seasonal preserves, followed by an exquisite collection of handcrafted pastries inspired by the seasons.

Complementing the menu is an exceptional collection of ethically sourced PMD teas, including The Rubens' exclusive house blend, with carefully considered pairings to enhance the flavours of each course. Guests can also elevate their experience with a glass of Champagne or discover the extraordinary Golden Tips Tea experience.

A Royal Afternoon Tea for Everyone

At The Rubens, every guest is invited to enjoy the full pleasure of Afternoon Tea. Alongside the traditional Royal Afternoon Tea, dedicated vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free menus have been thoughtfully developed to ensure that dietary preferences never mean compromising on creativity, flavour or indulgence.

A Royal Treat for Little Princes and Princesses

Create treasured family memories with the enchanting Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea, specially designed for children under 12. Featuring delicious bite-sized sandwiches, freshly baked scones, tempting sweet treats and a choice of favourite drinks, it is a wonderful experience for younger guests. Perfect for school holidays, birthdays or a special family outing, an Afternoon Tea at The Rubens adds a little royal magic to any London adventure.

Celebrate in Royal Style

From elegant baby showers and bridal celebrations to milestone birthdays and gatherings with friends and family, The Rubens at the Palace offers a beautiful setting for an unforgettable Afternoon Tea party. For groups of eight or more, the hotel's dedicated events team can arrange private Afternoon Tea experiences in a selection of distinctive event spaces, with personalised touches to make every occasion special.

Whether visiting London, celebrating a special occasion or simply making time for a leisurely afternoon, The Rubens at the Palace promises an experience to savour.