The Rubens at the Palace
At The Rubens at the Palace, family time is often shaped around the table, from relaxed breakfasts before a day of exploring to celebratory lunches, early suppers with little ones, and evenings filled with laughter, stories and shared moments across generations. Children under 12 dine complimentary when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
Dietary requirements are accommodated wherever possible, with menus carefully designed to delight younger guests while ensuring everyone feels completely at home.
Seasonal menus, carefully sourced produce and beautifully crafted dishes lie at the heart of dining at The Rubens. Our chefs celebrate ingredients selected for freshness, flavour and provenance, with sustainable choices and trusted suppliers featured wherever possible.
From comforting classics to refined dishes, every meal is designed to feel special, while remaining welcoming and flexible for families.
Families do not dine in one-size-fits-all ways. Some evenings call for an early supper, some for sharing platters and conversation, and others for a celebratory dinner dressed up with champagne.
We offer flexibility across our dining experiences, including:
Early dining and family-friendly pacing
Private dining in your room
Thoughtful menus for younger guests
Dietary requirements accommodated wherever possible
The Palace Lounge at The Rubens at the Palace is a quintessentially English setting for afternoon tea, with panoramic views over the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. Light-filled and elegant, it reflects its regal surroundings through plush furnishings and intricate detailing.
From morning coffee and pastries to Royal Afternoon Tea served from midday, The Palace Lounge offers a relaxed yet refined experience for every generation, inviting families to share in this quintessentially British tradition together.
Designed with younger guests in mind, our Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea brings a sense of fun to the experience. Delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with preserves and cream, and beautifully crafted pastries are served alongside a choice of milkshake, hot chocolate, tea or a soft drink.
Whether you're looking for gluten-free, pescatarian, halal, vegetarian or vegan options, we've crafted thoughtful menus to ensure that everyone feels at home.
We’re delighted to offer families and theatre-goers a 15% saving on pre-theatre dining at our welcoming bars and restaurants. Whether you’re enjoying a special outing with children or gathering before a West End favourite, it’s a wonderful way to begin your experience together.
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.
We can arrange a range of thoughtful in-house experiences for younger guests, from hands-on culinary activities to tailored moments designed to delight. All experiences are subject to availability and advance booking, with additional charges applying.
Complimentary Pastry Chef Experience for young guests, with biscuit and cupcake decorating
Milkshake Masterclass
Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea for little ones
Tailored teenager-friendly activities including a Zero Alcohol Cocktail Masterclass
Dining activity book, created in partnership with the Starlight Children's Foundation
London’s culinary scene is rich with history, and multi-generational stays are the perfect time to discover it together. From iconic British traditions to fascinating stories behind the city’s most celebrated ingredients, our Concierge team can curate food and drink experiences that bring London’s heritage to life, tailored to suit every generation.
Highlights include the PMD London Tea Tour, exploring the heritage of Britain’s tea trade, and a London Borough Market experience that showcases the city’s flavours through one of its most iconic foodie destinations, culminating in a seven-course tasting dinner.
For parents or couples travelling with family, our ‘Evening of Romance’ experience offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy time together, while grandparents and younger guests follow their own plans.
Set within The English Grill, this thoughtfully curated experience brings together exceptional British cuisine and moments of tableside theatre, creating an atmosphere that feels both special and quietly indulgent.
The four-course dining experience is priced at £170 for two guests, offering an intimate setting for an evening that feels considered, elegant and truly memorable.
Food brings generations together, and there are few better ways to celebrate than around a beautifully prepared table at The Rubens at the Palace. Our team can tailor every detail, from menus to table styling, ensuring your family celebration feels effortless, personal and truly memorable.
The Leopard Bar: A lively setting for relaxed family celebrations, private afternoon teas and drinks receptions for up to 40 guests
The Palace Lounge: Light-filled with Royal Mews views, ideal for family afternoon teas or drinks receptions for up to 80 guests
Private Suite Spaces: A collection of elegant rooms for every occasion, from intimate family gatherings to larger celebrations of up to 130 guests, with bespoke dining options available
Whether you are marking a milestone birthday, graduation or retirement, celebrating an engagement or wedding, or simply bringing loved ones together for a special family reunion, each occasion is thoughtfully hosted with warmth, care and a true sense of occasion.
Whether you are visiting London with young children, bringing grandparents along, or planning a special family celebration, The Rubens at the Palace is a place where family time is thoughtfully hosted.
