Tea by the Royal Mews feels royal. This afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace puts you opposite Buckingham Palace, with Royal Mews views from the hotel’s Palace Lounge. You’re not just eating. You’re watching the palace in motion from a 5-star room.

I love the classic scones and the calm, attentive rhythm of the service. Plates keep arriving at a comfortable pace, and the pastry kitchen handles the heavy lifting on flavor and freshness. The one catch is that tight seating can limit elbow room, especially if your table is aiming for the windows.

Key highlights at a glance

• Royal Mews sightlines: enjoy palace views from the hotel across the mews
• Scones that get remembered: fluffy, classic, with clotted cream
• Tea choice made easy: you get a selection of teas and table service
• Champagne upgrade: optional glass with the right adult-only rules
• Dietary options with notice: vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free available
• Children’s tea available: Little Prince and Princess Tea for ages 5–12

The Rubens at the Palace location: why Royal Mews views are the whole point

The Rubens at the Palace sits at 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, right opposite the working end of Buckingham Palace: the Royal Mews. That means your afternoon tea isn’t tucked away from the action. You’re positioned for people-watching that feels genuinely royal, without needing tickets to anything else.

The hotel’s Palace Lounge is where you’ll settle in, and it’s set up for that “stand still and watch the palace” mood. Even when London traffic hums outside, the atmosphere inside stays composed, like you’re stepping into an upscale lounge built for slow conversations.

Getting there, finding the right look: smart-casual dress code and timing

You travel independently to the hotel and should arrive 15 minutes before your booked time slot. This matters more than it sounds. It gives you a buffer to check in calmly and get seated without rushing.

The dress code is smart casual. Skip sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts, because the restaurant and bar won’t admit you if you’re not dressed appropriately. If you’re not sure, think “nice dinner outfit,” not “daytime walking gear.”

You’ll also use a mobile ticket, so have it ready on your phone when you arrive.

Inside the Palace Lounge: what your table setup feels like

Once you’re seated, the vibe is classic London: polished service, comfortable lounge seating, and table service that doesn’t feel chaotic. This is afternoon tea as a full-on ritual, not a quick snack.

One practical thing: seating can be a bit tight, particularly where tables are oriented for the best palace-window view. If you’re traveling with a large party, or if you’re very sensitive to cramped spaces, keep that in mind when you book your time slot. It’s often the trade-off for being so close to the action.

The afternoon tea itself: sandwiches, scones, pastries, and tea

Your experience centers on traditional English afternoon tea, prepared by the hotel team in their pastry kitchen. Menus can vary, but the core structure stays the same: finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a choice from the range of teas.

What you’ll eat (and why it works)

Expect a satisfying mix rather than one-note sweetness.

• Sandwiches: a selection of finger sandwiches that are meant to be bite-sized and easy to move through while you’re sipping tea.
• Scones: freshly baked and fluffy, served with clotted cream. This is the part most people remember, and it’s usually the highlight for a reason.
• Pastries and cakes: sweet treats that can include things like carrot cupcakes and marshmallow-style sweets, depending on the day’s menu.

If you’re the type who wants to try everything, this is one of those meals that gently encourages it. And if you can’t finish, you may be offered help—some staff have helped with boxing up unfinished pieces for people who want to take a bit of the sweetness home.

How the tea service feels

You’re not doing self-serve tea. Your selection comes to the table as part of the service flow. One thing to be aware of: you’ll typically make a tea selection rather than sampling a full tea flight, so if you’re picky, take a moment when you’re choosing.

The tea itself is freshly brewed and part of the experience, not just a side drink.

Optional champagne upgrade: worth it, and how to plan for it

You can add a champagne option that includes a glass of champagne with your afternoon tea. The rules are simple: champagne is for adults 18+.

Is it “worth it”? If you want your tea to feel like an occasion, the champagne upgrade can turn the whole meal into something more celebratory. It also pairs well with the sweet-and-savoury rhythm of afternoon tea. Just keep your eyes open on what was selected during booking so there are no surprises when you leave.

Also note: other alcoholic drinks may be available to purchase, but the basic tea experience is about the afternoon tea package.

Dietary requirements: good options, but know the allergy reality

If you have dietary needs, this is one of the more accommodating setups because you can request options ahead of time. With 72 hours’ notice, the hotel can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options.

One important allergy note: because it’s a hotel kitchen environment, they cannot guarantee 100% allergen-free recipes or dishes. If your needs are strict, I’d treat this as “carefully accommodated with notice,” not as a medical-grade allergy-free guarantee.

If you’re ordering in advance, do two things:

• Put your needs in writing with enough lead time.
• Follow up after booking to confirm the specific option you need.

For kids: Little Prince and Princess Tea (ages 5–12)

If you’re traveling with children, there’s a kids tea called Little Prince and Princess Tea for ages 5 to 12. The menu is made up of bite-size items: tasty sandwiches, freshly baked scones, selected pastries, and a drink pairing such as tea, milkshake, hot chocolate, or soda.

This version keeps the experience family-friendly without turning it into a completely separate event. The big win is that kids get the full afternoon-tea feel, not just a simplified snack plate.

Value check: what you pay for at this price point

At about $114.38 per person for roughly 2 hours (approx.), you’re paying for more than food. You’re paying for:

• the 5-star setting
• the palace-area location opposite the Royal Mews
• the hotel’s pastry kitchen output
• table service and the full afternoon-tea rhythm

That said, afternoon tea is also one of those experiences where portions can feel different depending on your expectations. Some people feel they’re paying for the atmosphere and the palace setting more than for meal-size fullness. If you’re very hungry, it may help to view this as an elegant meal that still may leave room for a later snack rather than a big, hearty main-course substitute.

On the other hand, if you love scones, tea variety, and a slow, romantic afternoon, the price can feel fair—especially when you factor in the location and service style.

The practical best way to fit it into your London day

This is an ideal choice for a few common London scenarios:

• First-time London trip: you get a palace-adjacent moment without needing extra palace tickets or a long sightseeing slog.
• A romantic afternoon: the setting is designed for couples and soft conversation.
• A rainy-day plan: you get a calm indoor experience while the palace scene continues outside.

Because there’s time for tea, sandwiches, scones, and sweets, plan a light lead-in. If you arrive after a heavy lunch, you’ll likely end the session stuffed and possibly wishing you saved room for the last pastry bite.

The experience runs on the hotel’s pace, and it concludes when you finish your tea, so it’s not meant to stretch into a long evening meal.

Should you book The Rubens afternoon tea?

I’d book it if you want an afternoon tea that feels like part of London’s royal story, not just a plated dessert stop. The Royal Mews view, the classic scones, and the generally polished, attentive service make this a memorable use of half a day.

I’d think twice if you’re:

• very budget-sensitive (this is pricier than casual afternoon tea spots)
• sensitive to seating crampedness near the window
• expecting a guided sightseeing experience (this is centered on the hotel tea service)

If you do book, go for smart-casual clothes, arrive 15 minutes early, and decide on your tea style ahead of time so you don’t feel rushed when your selection is being offered.

FAQ

What time should I arrive for afternoon tea at The Rubens?

Arrive 15 minutes before your booked timeslot so you can check in and get seated without stress.

Where is the meeting point for afternoon tea?

The meeting point is The Rubens at the Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS, UK.

What is the dress code?

Dress is smart casual. Sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts aren’t allowed, and you may be refused entry if you don’t meet the policy.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, you can request vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. You should inform them with 72 hours’ notice for special requests. They also note they cannot guarantee 100% allergen- or intolerance-free recipes/dishes.

Is champagne included?

Champagne is included only if you select the champagne option. It’s for adults 18+.

Is there a children’s afternoon tea option?

Yes. There is Little Prince and Princess Tea for children aged 5 to 12.

Is this a guided tour or something I do on my own?

You travel independently to the hotel for the meal, and the afternoon tea is served by the hotel team. It’s also a private activity, with only your group participating.

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