Do you cater for special dietary restrictions?

We will be delighted to accommodate your Afternoon Tea with any special dietary restrictions that you and your guests may have, including halal, pescatarian, vegetarian or vegan sandwiches, gluten-free bread, pastries and scones. The champagne served in our Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea is also vegan. If requested, please note that we will endeavour to ensure that there are no nuts in the Afternoon Tea offering – however, all products are produced in an environment where nuts are used, and we cannot guarantee that our food is 100% free from nuts or nut traces.

How can I let you know about dietary requirements?

When booking online, please note any dietary requirements in the 'special requests' section.

How far in advance do I need to let you know about dietary requirements?

Our Afternoon Tea is prepared fresh daily; therefore, we request 24-hours' notice for any allergies or dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free and pescatarian requests.

Can you accommodate me if I have more than one dietary requirement?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate both vegan and gluten-free, or gluten-free and egg-free preferences, but we are more than happy to provide alternative options from our diverse menu selection.

Do you cater for nut allergies?

If requested, we will ensure there are no nuts in the Afternoon Tea offering; however, our food is produced in an environment where nuts are used, and we cannot guarantee that our food is 100% free from nuts or nut traces.

What is the dress code for Afternoon Tea at The Rubens?

Our dress code is smart casual. We respectfully ask guests to refrain from wearing sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts. Guests not adhering to the dress code policy will not be permitted entry into our restaurants and bars.

Do we have to order one afternoon tea per person?

In accordance with our Afternoon Tea policy, all guests included in a reservation are required to order an Afternoon Tea experience, corresponding to the number of seats reserved. Please note that should fewer Afternoon Teas be ordered than the number of guests booked, a charge equivalent to the full Afternoon Tea price per guest will apply.

Where will I be seated for afternoon tea?

Your Afternoon Tea will be served in one of the hotel’s designated areas for Afternoon Tea experiences. Seating assignments are made to accommodate reservation timings and the flow of service. Requests cannot be guaranteed.

When can I book an Afternoon Tea?

Our opening hours are as follows... Monday to Friday: 12pm to 5pm Saturdays: 12pm to 6pm Sunday: 12pm to 5pm

Can I have a picnic hamper for my takeaway Afternoon Tea, rather than caddy?

Our Afternoon Tea is served in a caddie but guests can choose to put a deposit of £100 and get a hamper as well.

Afternoon Tea overlooking Buckingham Palace

Royal Afternoon Tea

Indulge in the epitome of a quintessential English Afternoon Tea experience at The Rubens at the Palace, where refinement meets tradition. Immerse yourself in the charming ambiance of our Palace Lounge, offering panoramic views of the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, or enjoy your tea within the opulent surroundings of our exquisitely designed English Grill.

Renowned as one of London's finest Afternoon Teas, we honour the classic British tradition while infusing innovative twists to captivate your palate. Our commitment extends to catering for diverse dietary preferences, with thoughtfully curated menus that include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal choices. Join us for our splendid Royal Afternoon Tea, where every moment is steeped in elegance and culinary excellence.

Afternoon Tea in the English Grill, The Rubens at the Palace

Opening hours

Our doors are open each afternoon, welcoming you to unwind in comfort with attentive service and a charming atmosphere.

Monday to Friday: 12 to 5pm

Saturdays: 12 to 6pm

Sunday: 12 to 5pm

16th November to 3rd January 2027

Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea

Expect a scrumptious feast of seasonal flavours that pay tribute to the English tradition of Afternoon Tea, including a glass of mulled wine and if you're dining on Christmas Day, a glass of champagne. Available for little prince and princesses also.

Price: Standard Festive Afternoon Tea from £82 per person, or £102 per person with Champagne.

Please note that during this period the Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea experience is priced at £127 per person instead of £115. Furthermore, Christmas Day is priced separately from our standard festive offering. For Christmas Day reservations, please enquire here.

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Our afternoon teas

Special offers

Food & Drink

Ongoing

PMD Tea Tour

Discover London’s lost tea history on a walking tour, exploring the city’s pivotal role in the tea trade.

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Food & Drink

Ongoing

A Hamilton-Inspired Dining Experience: Hamilton High Tea

Enjoy Hamilton High Tea before the show, featuring creative small plates and themed sweet treats.

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Arts & Culture

Ongoing

Pre-Theatre Dining Offer

We’re delighted to offer ticket holders for Six The Musical, Wicked, and Hamilton a 15% saving on pre-theatre dining at any of our welcoming bars and restaurants.

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Please note: To receive the 15% theatre-goer discount, guests must present a valid same-day theatre ticket for SIX, Hamilton or Wicked at the time of dining. If a valid ticket cannot be shown, the bill will be charged at the full price.

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Food & Drink

Ongoing

Tea Takeaway

The Rubens is delighted to offer guests the chance to enjoy our Royal Afternoon Tea wherever they choose with our exclusive takeaway service. Whether you're meeting friends in a nearby park, surprising a loved one, or indulging at the office, our afternoon tea caddy allows you to savour our exquisite selection of sandwiches, pastries, and freshly baked scones wherever you are.

Price: £70 per person / £45 per child

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Please note that takeaway afternoon tea must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance.

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Food & Drink

Ongoing

Bridal Afternoon Tea

Celebrate your upcoming wedding with an enchanting Bridal Afternoon Tea. Delight in the elegant atmosphere as you savour bridal-themed delicacies, creating unforgettable memories as you toast to the bride-to-be amidst the refined ambiance of our distinguished venue.

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Food & Drink

Ongoing

Baby Shower Afternoon Tea

Celebrate your baby shower at The Rubens with a unique and memorable Baby Shower Afternoon Tea. Share this joyous occasion with your loved ones and enjoy baby shower-themed biscuits alongside our classic Royal Afternoon Tea offering.

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Food & Drink

Ongoing

Golden Tips Tea

Enjoy our Royal Afternoon Tea for two alongside Ceylon Golden Tips, in partnership with specialist tea merchants PMD Tea. This rare tea is produced in the highlands of Sri Lanka and is skillfully handpicked at sunset. With white-glove service, this delicate tea is weighed with precision at The Rubens using golden scales; each tip is placed into the silver teapot individually with golden tweezers.

Time: Daily, subject to availability

Venue: The Palace Lounge

Price: £500 for two people, including a bottle of Champagne Lanson sabred at your table

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Food & Drink

Ongoing

Empire, Trade & Tea: Tour & Afternoon Tea Experience

Discover how tea shaped London with our partner PMD Tea, before enjoying a traditional afternoon tea.

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Food & Drink

Ongoing

Sabrage Champagne Experience

One of London’s most theatrical champagne rituals, blending history, skill and celebration.

An elegant ritual steeped in history. Experience the thrill of sabrage as our expert demonstrates the ceremonial opening of a Champagne bottle using a sabre, before you enjoy the Champagne at leisure in refined surroundings.

This experience is effortlessly celebratory – perfect for marking a special moment or simply indulging in something extraordinary.

Includes:

One bottle of Champagne
Live sabrage demonstration
Four small plates of your choice from the bar menu

Time: Daily from 12pm (approximately one hour)

Venue: The Cavalry Bar

Price: £161 for two people

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Dietary Requirements

We will be delighted to accommodate your Afternoon Tea with any special dietary requirements that you and your guests may have, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free and pescatarian requests. Please let us know about your requirements at the point of booking.

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FAQs

: We will be delighted to accommodate your Afternoon Tea with any special dietary restrictions that you and your guests may have, including halal, pescatarian, vegetarian or vegan sandwiches, gluten-free bread, pastries and scones. The champagne served in our Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea is also vegan.

If requested, please note that we will endeavour to ensure that there are no nuts in the Afternoon Tea offering – however, all products are produced in an environment where nuts are used, and we cannot guarantee that our food is 100% free from nuts or nut traces.
: When booking online, please note any dietary requirements in the 'special requests' section.
: Our Afternoon Tea is prepared fresh daily; therefore, we request 24-hours' notice for any allergies or dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free and pescatarian requests.
: Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate both vegan and gluten-free, or gluten-free and egg-free preferences, but we are more than happy to provide alternative options from our diverse menu selection.
: If requested, we will ensure there are no nuts in the Afternoon Tea offering; however, our food is produced in an environment where nuts are used, and we cannot guarantee that our food is 100% free from nuts or nut traces.
: Our dress code is smart casual. We respectfully ask guests to refrain from wearing sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts. Guests not adhering to the dress code policy will not be permitted entry into our restaurants and bars.
: In accordance with our Afternoon Tea policy, all guests included in a reservation are required to order an Afternoon Tea experience, corresponding to the number of seats reserved. Please note that should fewer Afternoon Teas be ordered than the number of guests booked, a charge equivalent to the full Afternoon Tea price per guest will apply.
: Your Afternoon Tea will be served in one of the hotel’s designated areas for Afternoon Tea experiences. Seating assignments are made to accommodate reservation timings and the flow of service. Requests cannot be guaranteed.
: Our opening hours are as follows...

Monday to Friday: 12pm to 5pm

Saturdays: 12pm to 6pm

Sunday: 12pm to 5pm
: Our Afternoon Tea is served in a caddie but guests can choose to put a deposit of £100 and get a hamper as well.

Gift vouchers

Treat your loved ones to a truly indulgent experience by gifting them one of our Afternoon Tea gift vouchers, valid for up to one year. Perched across from the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, sip on champagne or tea whilst enjoying a menu specially curated with royal inspiration.

View our vouchers