London: Afternoon Tea at The Rubens by Buckingham Palace

Summary

Afternoon tea near buckingham palace with pastries scones & royal views

You’ll settle into plush seats overlooking Buckingham Palace’s Royal Mews for an afternoon tea that feels both classic and surprisingly relaxed. Taste sandwiches and warm scones with clotted cream, try intricate pastries (don’t miss The Crown), and pick your favorite tea or even champagne if you’re feeling bold. It’s more than just food — it’s London through a window, laughter over teacups.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s pouring tea before I’ve even settled in — the kind of gesture that makes you pause, just for a second, and notice the clink of china and the quiet hum of voices mixing with the traffic outside. We’re at The Rubens at the Palace, not even a minute from Buckingham Palace itself. Through the big windows you can see the Royal Mews, which is honestly more fun to watch than I expected; horses coming and going, staff in uniforms nodding to each other like it’s all perfectly normal.

I’m not sure what I thought “afternoon tea” would be — maybe stiff or fussy? But our server (her name was Priya) grinned when she explained what “Coronation chicken” actually is. She even let me try to say “scone” the British way (I failed). The sandwiches come out first: salmon with horseradish, cucumber and cream cheese, ham with this tangy tomato chutney. Everything tastes fresh but not showy — like someone’s actually made it for you, not just for Instagram. And then there are the scones. Still warm when you break them open. Clotted cream that’s so thick it almost stands up on its own spoon.

The pastries look too pretty to eat — little glossy domes and a macaron shaped like a crown (I laughed about that). There’s this cinnamon chocolate mousse thing called The Crown that I still think about sometimes. You get to choose your tea from this menu longer than my arm; I picked something floral and regretted nothing. If you want champagne they’ll bring it, but honestly, just sitting there watching London go by felt fancy enough for me.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed in such a grand place — people were dressed up but no one looked uncomfortable. Someone at another table was celebrating a birthday; we all clapped when their cake came out. It wasn’t perfect — I spilled a bit of jam on my shirt and got powdered sugar everywhere — but maybe that’s why it felt real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Enjoy traditional afternoon tea

• Arrive at The Rubens at the Palace
• Relax in the Palace Lounge
• Watch royal carriages outside
• Eat selection of sandwiches
• Enjoy traditional and flavored scones
• Try assorted fresh-made pastries
• Choose from fine teas

Top questions

Is afternoon tea at The Rubens near Buckingham Palace?

Yes, The Rubens at the Palace is located right next to Buckingham Palace, overlooking the Royal Mews.

What is included in afternoon tea at The Rubens?

The afternoon tea includes sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and fruit preserve, assorted pastries, and a choice of fine teas. Champagne is included if selected as an option.

Is there a dress code for afternoon tea at The Rubens?

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

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free options are available if requested in advance.

Can children join afternoon tea at The Rubens?

Yes, infants and small children can attend; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is The Rubens wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible.

How early should I arrive for my booking?

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your booked timeslot.

Can I cancel my booking for afternoon tea?

You can receive a full refund or date change up to 24 hours before your reservation; cancellations inside 24 hours are charged 100%.

What’s included

Your experience includes traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches (like smoked salmon and coronation chicken), freshly baked scones served warm with homemade fruit preserve and clotted cream, delicate pastries crafted by their pastry chef, plus your choice of fine teas from P.M. David Silva & Sons — and if you select it when booking, a glass of champagne as well.