Private Tour
Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace
Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
The Rubens at the Palace Hotel is a luxurious, 5-star venue situated a stone's throw away from the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. Relax and enjoy traditional afternoon tea in the lavish Palace Lounge, a bright, open space with panoramic views of The Queen's stables. Watch the comings and goings of the royal carriages as you dine on a selection of sumptuous sandwiches, delectable, fresh-made pastries and traditional scones with clotted cream and fruit preserve.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please arrive at the hotel 15 minutes prior to your booked timeslot
Allergies / Dietary Restrictions: Please inform us of any special requests with 72 hours-notice. Please note that due to the nature of their business and offering the hotel cannot guarantee 100% allergen or intolerant free recipes/dishes. Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal and Gluten-Free options available, Please contact us after the booking.
Menus listed are samples and subject to variations.
Dress code: Smart casual. We respectfully ask guests to refrain from wearing sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts. Guest not adhering to the dress code policy will not be permitted entry into our restaurants and bars
A full refund or date change will be offered up to 24 hours before travel. Cancellations inside 24 hours will be charged at 100%
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Glass of Champagne (if selected this option)
Afternoon tea
Beverages
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
THE RUBENS ROYAL AFTERNOON TEA (a sample menu) Sandwiches Smoked Scottish Salmon & Horseradish Cream Cheese Coronation Chicken & Toasted Almonds Ham, Cheese & Tomato Chutney Egg & Watercress Cucumber & Cream Cheese Scones Traditional Plain Honey & White Chocolate Served with homemade seasonal fruit preserve & clotted cream Pastries THE CROWN - Cinnamon chocolate mousse, brownie biscuit, coconut marshmallow FRUIT FROM THE QUEEN’S ORCHARD - Seasonal glazed fruit-shaped mousse with compote ROYAL MACARON - Caramelised apples, coffee whipped ganache SEASONAL RUBENS ÉCLAIR - A choice of a seasonal éclair by the pastry chef BREAD & BUTTER - Sourdough bread pudding cream, rose and raspberry, lemon sponge tart A choice of fine teas from P.M. DAVID SILVA & SONS Choose from a selection of black, green, white and herbal teas.
Sample Menu
main
THE RUBENS ROYAL AFTERNOON TEA
A selection of Sandwiches A selection of Scones A selection of Pastries A selection of Teas Glass of Champagne (If option selected)
Options
Afternoon tea
Afternoon tea
Afternoon Tea with Champagne
Including a glass of Champagne
Reviews
231 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely Fabulous afternoon tea!
Alisa M,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Delectable delicacies with impeccable service in an exquisite classic setting! Highlight was the best scones ever tasted!
Great Afternoon Tea
Sharaine M,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a lovely time at Rubens. The atmosphere was charming and the afternoon tea was splendid... especially the actual tea itself
Absolute TREAT for a 16th birthday!
Sonia B,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This afternoon tea was such a special treat for my daughter’s 16th birthday, and it truly exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and made to feel so welcome. The space was beautiful & luxurious, yet comfortable. Perfect for celebrating such a special day. The staff were wonderful, attentive, and thoughtful. Our dietary requirements were handled with care, and everything was presented so beautifully. There was plenty to enjoy, and we were genuinely impressed by the range of teas, sandwiches and the delicious cakes. It was such a lovely, memorable experience that we’ll remember for a long time.
Give it a try
Suzel,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A great way to spend a rainy afternoon, Lovely setting, excellent selection, professional staff. Definitely worthwhile.
You don’t need Viator in London. Do it yourself and save money!
Tricia M,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00According to The Ruben hotel I was the only person that had signed up for High Tea. No guide showed up. I had high tea alone - which was very good. But I could have signed up directly with the Hotel rather than pay a premium to Viator. This is the 2nd tour in London that this occurred.
Attentive staff, great...
Andra T,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Attentive staff, great atmosphere, and an overall worthwhile experience! Recommend the champagne upgrade!
a perfectly royal tea!
623anns,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The perfect tea! After visiting Buckingham Palace, We (grandmother, two moms and three tween age daughters) were looking for a tea fit for royalty! All in our group were thrilled with the beautiful Rubens tea room. The setting was beautiful with striking red decor and grand place settings. Our server was incredibly gracious and professional. The girls were thrilled that the options not only included tea but also milk shakes! Sandwiches, scones and pastries were delicious, beautifully presented and plentiful. We even received some to take home! Truly a royal tea! Highly recommend it! Thank you to Rubens and our gracious server.
It was lovely to sit and...
Kathryn J,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00It was lovely to sit and relaxe with a very nice cup off tea and nice food, the staff were friendly.
Absolutely delightful spot for Afternoon Tea! 😊
rutao310,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful spot for experiencing your first Afternoon Tea! The setting is absolutely charming, located just opposite the Royal Mews. The staff were incredibly helpful and attentive throughout our visit. Every dish was delicious, and the overall atmosphere made it feel truly special. Our little one adored her Princess Afternoon Tea — she felt like royalty!
High Tea at Ruebens
Yvonne B,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ruebens was amazing, the atmosphere was British Elegance, the food top class and the staff charming. We had drinks in the bar beforehand, the prices were typical of this kind if establishment. I recommend it gighly
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Operated by Evan Evans Tours