Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace

The best thing about this afternoon tea is the setting. The Rubens at the Palace sits opposite the Royal Mews, giving you a polished London hotel experience with views toward Buckingham Palace activity. It is less about sightseeing from a moving bus and more about sitting still, eating well, and watching the world pass by.

I like the classic Palace Lounge setting and the strong tea service. I also like the fact that the food can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free diners if you give 72 hours’ notice. The main drawback is price: at about $114.38 per person, you are paying for the address, service, and ceremony as much as for the sandwiches and cakes.

Key points to know

• Royal Mews views: Ask for a window-side table if the view matters to you, though seating is not guaranteed.
• Traditional menu: Expect finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, pastries, and a choice of freshly brewed teas.
• Champagne option: The upgrade can make this feel like a proper celebration, but check your bill carefully.
• Smart-casual dress: Sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts are not accepted.
• Dietary planning: Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free menus are available with advance notice.
• Independent arrival: You make your own way to 39 Buckingham Palace Road and arrive 15 minutes early.

The Rubens location, opposite the Royal Mews

The Rubens at the Palace is at 39 Buckingham Palace Road, directly opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. That location does much of the work before the first pot of tea arrives.

You are not sitting inside Buckingham Palace, and the principal palace facade is not the view from every table. The hotel faces the Royal Mews and nearby palace entrances, so your outlook may include comings and goings around the working side of the royal complex. That can be more interesting than a static postcard view, especially if you enjoy people-watching and the quiet theater of official London.

This location also works well for a first London visit. You can pair afternoon tea with a walk around Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, or the surrounding Westminster area. The activity itself is stationary, so it gives your feet a useful break after a morning of sightseeing.

You travel independently, and no hotel pickup is included. The hotel is near public transportation, but the information provided does not specify a particular station or route. Allow time to find the entrance, pass through the hotel, and arrive at least 15 minutes before your booked time.

Entering the Palace Lounge

The hotel is a five-star property with a formal, traditional look. You can expect plush surroundings rather than a casual cafe, and the Palace Lounge is designed for a slower kind of meal.

This is part of the appeal. Afternoon tea here is a small performance of British manners: a proper table, a selection of tea, neatly prepared food, and time to talk. You do not need to understand every rule of afternoon tea. Sit down, choose a tea, and let the staff guide you through the service.

Dress matters. The required standard is smart casual, which means presentable daywear rather than formal evening clothes. Avoid sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts. If you are building this into a sightseeing day, pack a jacket or choose an outfit that can handle both walking and a refined hotel dining room.

The atmosphere is especially suited to a romantic occasion, a birthday, or a family treat. It can also rescue a wet London afternoon. You get a warm seat, a long tea service, and a setting that feels distinctly more special than grabbing lunch on the run.

What arrives on the afternoon tea stand

The core menu is called The Rubens Royal Afternoon Tea. It includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and teas. The menu changes, so do not treat any single item as guaranteed.

The sandwiches are small but substantial when combined with the rest of the service. The menu may include several fillings, and vegetarian alternatives can be arranged. You should tell the hotel about dietary needs at least 72 hours ahead rather than waiting until you sit down.

The scones are the item to save room for. They are served with clotted cream and are meant to be eaten warm or freshly baked. The pastry kitchen also produces cakes and small sweets, with examples including carrot cupcakes and marshmallows. The presentation is part of the pleasure, so this is not a meal designed to be rushed.

Portions vary in how filling they feel. Some diners find there is enough food to replace a meal, while others see it as a refined snack with a high price tag. A typical service includes sandwiches, two scones, and a plate of desserts, with tea served at the table. If you eat lightly, you may have food left over.

Ask whether unfinished items can be boxed. Staff have done this for diners who could not finish everything, but it should be treated as a courtesy rather than a guaranteed part of the service.

The tea selection is a major part of the experience

The tea is not an afterthought. You choose from a range of freshly brewed teas, and staff can help if you do not usually drink tea.

That guidance matters. A guest who was unsure what to order found the waiter helpful, and the tea itself became one of the memorable parts of the meal. Jasmine tea has been singled out as especially aromatic, while rooibos has also been praised. You might find the selection more interesting than a standard black-tea-only service.

The supplied details describe beverages as included, with tea forming the heart of the experience. Some information refers to a single tea selection, while other descriptions refer to a broad choice and refills. Ask your server how the tea service works on the day so you know what is included and how to request another pot.

I would not choose this experience if you dislike tea and mainly want champagne and cakes. You can still enjoy the food and room, but the tea is the central ritual. If you are curious, this is a good place to try something unfamiliar because staff can explain the choices.

Champagne, cocktails, and the final bill

You can add a glass of Champagne when booking. It suits the setting and makes sense for an anniversary, birthday, or farewell to London.

The extra cost is not automatically good value. Champagne and other alcoholic drinks can also be purchased at the hotel, and prices are typical of an upscale establishment. Check exactly what your booking includes before ordering another glass.

Pay close attention to the bill if you have pre-booked the Champagne option. One booking problem involved an additional charge of £60 despite a voucher showing that Champagne had already been paid for. That may be an isolated error, but checking the bill before leaving is easy and sensible.

Children aged five to 12 can choose the Little Prince and Princess Tea. It includes bite-size sandwiches, scones, selected pastries, and a drink such as tea, milkshake, hot chocolate, or soda. This is a useful option for families, especially if younger diners are not ready for a full adult tea menu.

The children’s offering may be more appealing to some teenagers too, though the listed age range ends at 12. Ask the hotel if you are booking for an older child with a small appetite.

Service can be warm, but timing matters

The best version of this experience includes attentive staff who explain the food, suggest teas, and notice when you need something. Bianca has been praised for personalized service, and other staff members have helped diners choose tea and manage dietary requests.

There have also been service lapses. One sitting began 25 minutes after arrival, then the server disappeared, leaving the table without tea, food, or even water. Another nearby server eventually helped. Afternoon tea is supposed to be unhurried, but unhurried does not mean forgotten.

The scheduled sitting is generally about 90 minutes, while the overall experience is listed at approximately two hours. Arrive early, but do not assume that arriving 30 minutes before your time guarantees an early seat. Staff may accommodate early arrivals when possible, but your reserved time remains the firm reference point.

If your tea or water runs out, ask directly rather than waiting too long. This is particularly useful if the room is busy. A well-run service should replenish drinks and provide help without repeated requests, but a polite reminder can protect your limited sitting time.

Seating and the Royal Mews view

The view is a key reason to choose The Rubens over a less expensive afternoon tea. Some tables face the Royal Mews or other Buckingham Palace activity, and a window seat can make the experience feel tied to London rather than simply taking place in a hotel.

Not every table has the same outlook. Seating can feel tight near the windows, because those prized tables are arranged to make the most of the view. You may prefer more room at an interior table, especially if you are dining with children or carrying bags.

If the view matters, mention it when booking or on arrival, but do not expect a guarantee unless the hotel specifically confirms one. The main palace entrance is not what you should assume you will see. The setting is opposite the working Royal Mews, with possible views toward side entrances, cars, staff, and palace-related activity.

That distinction is important. You are buying a royal quarter location, not admission to Buckingham Palace or a private palace tour.

Dietary requests and family planning

The hotel can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free requirements. You need to provide 72 hours’ notice and contact the hotel after booking if your request is not already recorded.

The hotel cannot guarantee recipes or dishes that are completely free of every allergen or intolerance because of the nature of its kitchen and food service. If you have a serious allergy, explain the risk clearly before you travel and ask what the kitchen can safely provide.

For vegetarians, the experience is not limited to removing meat from the standard plate. A vegetarian version of the sandwiches, breads, and desserts can be arranged. Vegan choices have also been available, but advance planning remains essential.

Families should consider appetite and attention span. The standard tea can replace a meal, but it unfolds slowly. Children who enjoy small sandwiches, sweets, and a special setting should do well with the Little Prince and Princess Tea. Champagne is for adults aged 18 and over.

Is the $114.38 price fair?

At about $114.38 per person, this is an expensive afternoon tea. You can find cheaper tea services in London, and the food alone does not explain the full price.

The value comes from the combination of elements: a five-star hotel, a prestigious Buckingham Palace Road address, formal service, a broad tea selection, carefully made pastries, and the chance of a Royal Mews view. You are paying for the occasion as much as the calories.

I think the price makes more sense if you want one polished, memorable experience during a short London visit. It is also easier to justify for a celebration, a first visit, or a couple who values atmosphere over bargain dining.

It makes less sense if you are mainly hungry, watching your budget, or happy to arrange afternoon tea directly with a hotel at a lower rate. One person found that booking directly with The Rubens might have avoided paying a platform premium. Compare the hotel’s direct price and terms before committing.

The Champagne upgrade can be worthwhile for a special occasion, but it is not necessary for a good tea. The pastries, scones, sandwiches, tea, and room provide the main experience.

Booking timing, cancellation, and practical details

This experience is often booked around 35 days in advance, so reserve early if you need a particular date or are visiting during a busy London season. Confirmation is received at booking, and the ticket is mobile.

The activity is private to your own booking group, though the hotel lounge itself is a shared dining space. It ends back at the hotel, with no return transportation included.

The cancellation information supplied with this experience is not fully consistent. One section says a full refund or date change is available up to 24 hours before travel, with a 100 percent charge inside 24 hours. Another policy states that the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. Check the exact terms attached to your booking before paying, especially if your flight or London plans may change.

Who should book The Rubens afternoon tea?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time London visitors who want a classic British experience
• Couples looking for a romantic afternoon near Buckingham Palace
• Families marking a special occasion
• Tea drinkers who enjoy trying different blends
• Diners who care about service, setting, and presentation
• Visitors with dietary needs who can give advance notice

I would think twice if you want a casual meal, dislike formal surroundings, need guaranteed window seating, or are comparing every pound. The food is good and can be filling, but the address and atmosphere carry much of the cost.

Should you book it?

Book The Rubens at the Palace if you want afternoon tea to feel like an event. Arrive dressed smartly, allow extra time, request dietary changes at least 72 hours ahead, and check the Champagne charge before leaving.

Skip it if value means getting the largest meal for the lowest price. For the right occasion, the combination of Buckingham Palace surroundings, a handsome lounge, helpful tea guidance, fine scones, and polished service can justify the splurge. For an ordinary afternoon, a less costly tea elsewhere may serve you just as well.

FAQ

Where does the afternoon tea take place?

It takes place at The Rubens at the Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS, in the hotel’s Palace Lounge.

What can I see from the hotel?

The hotel is opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. Depending on your table, you may see palace-related activity, side entrances, cars, staff, and comings and goings around the Mews.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is approximately two hours. The tea sitting is generally described as about 90 minutes.

What food is included?

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

Is Champagne included?

Champagne is included only if you select the Champagne option when booking. Alcoholic drinks can also be purchased separately.

Can children attend?

Yes. Children aged five to 12 can choose the Little Prince and Princess Tea, which includes small sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a choice of tea, milkshake, hot chocolate, or soda.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options are available with notice. Provide requests at least 72 hours ahead. The hotel cannot guarantee completely allergen-free dishes.

What should I wear?

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

Is transportation included?

No. You travel independently to the hotel, and pickup and drop-off are not included. Arrive 15 minutes before your booked time.