Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace

Royal views, proper tea, and very good scones. Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace gives you a polished London occasion opposite Buckingham Palace’s Royal Mews. You arrive independently, settle into the elegant Palace Lounge, and enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and freshly brewed tea at your table. I especially like the Buckingham Palace setting and the broad tea selection, which makes this more than a quick snack between sights. The main consideration is price: at $114.38 per person, you are paying for the hotel setting and sense of occasion as much as the food.

This is a particularly good choice for a first London visit, a birthday, or a romantic afternoon. The room feels formal without being stiff, and the service can be wonderfully attentive. Still, seating near the windows may be close together, and the experience can feel expensive if you are mainly looking for a filling meal rather than a traditional ritual.

Key points at a glance

• Royal Mews views: The hotel sits opposite Buckingham Palace’s Royal Mews, giving some tables a view of palace comings and goings.
• About 90 minutes to two hours: The tea is served at a relaxed pace, though the advertised duration is approximate.
• Classic menu: Expect finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, clotted cream, pastries, and a choice of tea.
• Champagne upgrade: Champagne can be added, and several diners found it worthwhile, though it costs more.
• Dietary choices: Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options are available with at least 72 hours’ notice.
• Smart-casual dress: Avoid sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts or you may be refused entry.

Arriving opposite Buckingham Palace

The Rubens at the Palace is at 39 Buckingham Palace Road, directly opposite the Royal Mews. You make your own way there, so this is not a sightseeing coach trip or guided palace tour. That is useful if you are already exploring central London, but you need to plan your route and arrive at least 15 minutes before your booked time.

The location makes the experience easy to pair with nearby sights. Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Victoria, and Westminster are all close enough to fit into the same day, though you should not try to squeeze in a palace visit at the exact same time. The tea itself deserves a calm stretch of your schedule.

The hotel’s entrance leads into a traditional five-star setting. Expect polished surroundings and a formal atmosphere rather than a casual café. If you enjoy old-fashioned London style, the setting begins the experience before the first sandwich arrives.

The Palace Lounge and the Royal Mews view

Afternoon tea is served in the Palace Lounge, a refined room designed for lingering. The surroundings are one of the strongest reasons to choose this particular tea. You are not simply eating pastries in a generic hotel restaurant. You are sitting opposite one of London’s most recognizable royal addresses.

The view is worth explaining clearly. The hotel overlooks the Royal Mews area and palace access points, not the main front façade of Buckingham Palace. Depending on your table, you might watch cars, staff, children, and other activity around the side or rear palace entrance. One particularly memorable table described was a small, cushioned settee beside the window, a comfortable spot for people-watching.

Do not book this expecting a grand front-on view of the palace. That would be difficult from this location. Instead, think of it as a close look at the working side of a royal complex, with occasional movement outside. For many people, that feels more interesting than staring at a ceremonial façade.

The seating can be somewhat tight, especially in the best window positions. That tradeoff is simple: the more desirable the view, the less spacious the table may feel. Couples seeking privacy should keep this in mind.

What arrives on the afternoon tea stand

The core menu is the Rubens Royal Afternoon Tea. It includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, pastries, and teas, with a glass of Champagne if you book that option.

The sandwiches are served in small finger-sized portions. Exact fillings can change, but the format is classic and neat. This is not a plate of large lunch sandwiches. You receive several small pieces, followed by scones and desserts. Some diners find the meal filling enough to replace lunch, while others feel the portions do not quite justify the price.

The scones are a major strength. They arrive fresh and are served with clotted cream, creating the familiar sweet middle course that many people associate with English afternoon tea. The pastry kitchen also produces small cakes and sweets, with examples including carrot cupcakes and marshmallows. Desserts are presented carefully, and the visual side of the service is part of what you are paying for.

You should expect enough food to leave satisfied, and possibly to leave a few pieces behind. Staff may be able to box unfinished items, although this should not be treated as a guaranteed part of the package. If you are visiting with someone who eats lightly, sharing one tea may be worth considering, if the booking rules allow it.

The tea selection is more important than it looks

Tea is not an afterthought here. You choose from a substantial selection of freshly brewed teas, and staff can explain the choices if you are unsure what to order. This is helpful for people who do not normally drink tea. One memorable option is jasmine, described as especially aromatic, while rooibos has also been a favorite for its distinctive flavor.

The tea service is unlimited during the seating period according to the experience details, though the exact serving arrangements and duration should be confirmed when booking. The standard experience generally lasts around 90 minutes, while the overall activity is described as approximately two hours.

A practical tip: choose your first tea with care, but do not feel locked into one style if the service permits additional pots. The pleasure here is trying something different from your usual breakfast tea. Ask the server for guidance rather than choosing blindly from a long menu.

Service quality appears to be the least predictable part of the experience. Many visitors receive attentive help, clear explanations, and warm personal service. One server named Bianca was praised for being especially attentive and for helping make the occasion feel personal. On the other hand, there have been occasions when service was slow, food and tea were not replenished promptly, or a server was difficult to find.

That means the experience is at its best when the room is properly staffed and your server stays engaged. If your tea runs empty, ask another nearby member of staff rather than waiting too long. You paid for a service, not just a table.

Champagne, drinks, and the real cost

The listed price is $114.38 per person, which puts this firmly in the special-occasion category. The food alone is unlikely to feel like a bargain. You are paying for the hotel, location, table service, presentation, and the chance to spend an hour and a half opposite Buckingham Palace.

For a first visit to London, that can be worthwhile. Afternoon tea is a distinctly British custom, and the Rubens gives you a polished version in a prestigious setting. If you only want sandwiches, cakes, and a hot drink, a less expensive café may serve you just as well.

The Champagne option adds another layer to the occasion. Several diners felt the upgrade was worth choosing, particularly for a romantic visit or celebration. Others found Champagne expensive, especially after paying for the tea itself. Check your voucher carefully when you arrive and confirm what is included before ordering extra glasses. An incorrect additional Champagne charge has caused confusion for at least one booking.

Alcoholic drinks beyond the included option are not part of the standard price but can be purchased separately. Champagne is available only to adults aged 18 and over.

Dietary needs and the children’s tea

The hotel can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free diets. You must give notice at least 72 hours ahead, and you should contact the provider after booking with your requirements. The hotel cannot promise that every dish is completely free of allergens or intolerances because of the nature of its kitchen.

This is useful for mixed groups. A vegetarian menu can include small sandwiches, breads, and desserts rather than leaving someone with only a token substitute. Vegan options have also been well received. Still, anyone with a serious allergy should discuss the risk directly before booking and make an informed choice.

Children aged five to 12 can order the Little Prince and Princess Tea. It includes bite-sized sandwiches, scones, selected pastries, and a choice of tea, milkshake, hot chocolate, or soda. This can make the occasion feel special for younger children without forcing them into adult tea choices.

For teenagers, the children’s menu may or may not be appealing. A 15-year-old, for example, might prefer the regular menu. Ask about the options before you arrive if your children are between age groups.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would choose this tea for someone who values setting and ceremony. It works especially well for:

• First-time London visitors who want a classic British experience.
• Couples looking for a romantic afternoon near Buckingham Palace.
• Families celebrating a birthday or finishing a London trip.
• People who enjoy trying different teas and delicate pastries.
• Visitors who want a rainy-day plan in a handsome indoor setting.

I would hesitate if your main aim is a cheap lunch, a spacious restaurant, or a guaranteed palace-front view. The portions are elegant rather than huge, and some seats are close together. You should also be comfortable dressing neatly and spending several hours on the whole outing once transport is included.

This is a private activity for your own group, but it is not a private dining room. The experience takes place in the hotel’s regular tea setting, so the atmosphere remains shared and public.

Timing, clothing, and booking details

Arrive 15 minutes early. The tea is scheduled for a specific time, and arriving late cuts into the period you have to enjoy the food and tea. Wear smart-casual clothing. Sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts are not accepted under the hotel’s dress policy.

The experience is booked well ahead, often around 35 days in advance. That matters most for weekends, holidays, window seats, and special occasions. If your plans are uncertain, check the cancellation terms carefully before paying. The supplied booking information gives conflicting guidance: one section says a full refund or date change is available up to 24 hours before the visit, while another says the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. I would confirm the current rule directly with the provider before booking.

Mobile tickets are accepted, and confirmation is issued at booking. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport.

Is The Rubens afternoon tea worth booking?

Book it if you want a classic, polished London afternoon with royal surroundings, quality tea, pretty pastries, and the chance to watch activity around the Royal Mews. The scones, tea selection, elegant room, and helpful service can make this a memorable part of a first London visit.

Skip it if you are price-sensitive, want a large meal, or mainly care about a direct view of Buckingham Palace’s front. At $114.38 per person, the value depends on how much you care about atmosphere and occasion. My best advice is to book for the experience, not for the calories. Choose the Champagne upgrade for a real celebration, give dietary requests early, and ask for a window table if the view matters to you.

FAQ

Where is The Rubens at the Palace afternoon tea held?

It is held at The Rubens at the Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS, opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace.

How long does the afternoon tea last?

The overall activity lasts approximately two hours. The tea seating itself is generally described as about 90 minutes.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you travel independently to the hotel.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your booked time.

What food is included?

The Royal Afternoon Tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and tea.

Is Champagne included?

Champagne is included only if you select the Champagne option when booking. Other alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options are available with at least 72 hours’ notice. The hotel cannot guarantee that dishes are completely free from allergens or intolerances.

Is there a children’s afternoon tea?

Yes. The Little Prince and Princess Tea is available for children aged five to 12. It includes small sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a choice of tea, milkshake, hot chocolate, or soda.

What should I wear?

The dress code is smart casual. Sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts are not permitted.

Is this a guided tour?

No. You make your own way to the hotel, and the afternoon tea is served at your table. The activity is private for your own group, with no guide required.