Royal tea beats the usual London snack run. This traditional afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace Hotel puts you in the Palace Lounge, with a British, slightly fairy-tale mood and the option to sip Champagne with your meal.

What I love here is the food rhythm. You get freshly baked scones with clotted cream plus homemade preserves, alongside delicate finger sandwiches and a proper set of sweet pastries and desserts.

One thing to weigh up is the value: it’s pricey at $111 per person, and extra drinks can feel like they’re being pushed.

Key things to know before you go

• Palace Lounge atmosphere that feels dressed up without needing to do anything extra
• A set menu built around scones, finger sandwiches, and themed sweets
• Drink pairing choices include P.M. David Silva & Sons teas plus an optional Champagne upgrade
• Most of the experience is about slowing down for 1.5 hours, not rushing between sights
• Practical rules matter: dress code and ID/voucher are required for entry

Entering The Rubens at the Palace Lounge in London

This is one of those London experiences where the setting does half the work. The Rubens at the Palace is known for a grand, old-world feel, and the Palace Lounge matches it. Think: polished, formal, and made for people who want a classic British treat instead of another quick bite while on the move.

If your day in London already has museums, markets, or a big walk, this gives you a clean reset. You sit down, you get served, and the focus stays on your table and your tea. It’s also an easy add-on for a special day, because the atmosphere already looks “occasion-ready.”

One practical point: plan your timing so you arrive ready to relax. The experience is scheduled for about 1.5 hours, so you’ll want to treat it like a real stop, not something you fit in between trains.

How the 1.5-hour Royal Afternoon Tea actually plays out

You’re in the door by showing your voucher, then you get seated in the Palace Lounge. From there, the flow is typical of afternoon tea, but it’s built around a clear set of courses: savoury first, then scones, then sweets.

The pacing matters. Afternoon tea works best when you take your time. If you rush, you’ll miss the point, especially with scones that are best when they’re still warm. If you like a slow, orderly meal, this format will feel satisfying rather than chaotic.

Also note that the menu you see is a sample and can vary. So don’t plan your entire day around one specific sandwich filling or one dessert shape. Still, the overall structure and the “what you’ll eat” categories are consistent.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure you communicate any dietary needs early. The provider asks you to inform them 48 hours ahead about vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free Afternoon Teas. If you leave it too late, you can’t assume the exact menu will adjust.

The menu breakdown: savoury bites, scones, and sweet pastries

Afternoon tea lives or dies on variety. Here, you get a full mix: savoury finger sandwiches, scones with classic British toppings, and a lineup of sweets that reads like a dessert catalog.

Savoury finger sandwiches you can actually taste

Your savoury selection includes multiple breads and fillings, not just one repetitive plate. Examples from the Royal Afternoon Tea sample menu include:

• Scottish smoked salmon with caviar and chive cream cheese on cape seed loaf
• Roast beef sirloin with wild rocket and horseradish cream on beetroot bread
• Chicken with grain mustard mayonnaise and toasted almonds on white bread
• Barber’s cheddar and plum tomato on onion bread
• Cucumber and mint crème fraîche on Norfolk crunch

Why this matters: the breads and flavors are varied enough that you won’t feel bored after the second bite. It also gives you a chance to compare styles—creamy, savory, herby, and slightly peppery—across the table.

Scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves

Scones are the centerpiece for most people, and they’re done properly here. You can expect plain, fruit, and cheese options. They come with:

• clotted cream
• homemade seasonal preserve
• lemon curd

Even if you’re not a scone person at home, this is the kind of place where scones become the main event. Warm scones plus clotted cream is classic for a reason, and the extra choices like lemon curd and seasonal preserve let you switch it up.

The sweet tray: pastries with a themed range

The sweet course is built to feel special, not like a generic cake assortment. The sample menu includes choices like:

• Crown Hukambi chocolate and hazelnut praline, chocolate sablé
• Blackberry éclair
• Blackberry chiboust with blackberry fruit glaze
• Rhubarb and vanilla
• Vanilla sponge, rhubarb jelly, opalys crémeux
• Citrus meringue tart
• Almond cream with candied lemon, lime zest

You’ll get best results if you pace the sweets. Start with one lighter item, then come back for the deeper chocolate flavors. That way your palate stays interested instead of overwhelmed.

Tea choices and the Champagne option that changes the vibe

You’re not limited to one cup of tea. The experience pairs your food with a selection of teas from P.M. David Silva & Sons, including black, green, white, and herbal options. This is a nice touch because afternoon tea is as much about the drink as the food.

When you’re deciding what to order, think about contrast:

• If you’re planning richer sweets, choose something like a black tea or a stronger tea profile.
• If you want a lighter feel between savoury and sweets, a green or herbal option can reset your taste buds.

If you choose the inclusive option, Champagne is included. That turns the meal from “nice treat” into “celebration.” It also changes how sweet your tray tastes, since bubbles and acidity can make dessert feel less heavy.

One caution: some people note that extra drinks can be pitched during the experience. If you care about sticking to your budget, decide in advance what you want covered and what you’re willing to pay for beyond tea/coffee and the inclusive Champagne option.

Price and value: is $111 per person worth it?

Let’s talk straight. At $111 per person, this isn’t casual. You’re paying for three things at once:

1. The setting (a high-end hotel lounge built for formal afternoon tea)
2. The full menu (savoury sandwiches, multiple scone styles, and a larger sweet selection)
3. The tea and service format (tea/coffee included, with Champagne available if you choose)

For value, the key question isn’t whether you could eat cheaper somewhere else. London can do that. The real question is whether you want the experience package: sitting down, getting served, and spending time in a polished, traditional setting.

This is usually worth it if:

• You’re celebrating something and want a memorable ritual
• You want authentic British afternoon tea rather than a casual tea room
• Your group includes someone who cares about atmosphere as much as food

It may feel less worth it if you’re only after one or two bites, or if you’re very price-sensitive and plan to add lots of extras. Afternoon tea is structured. If you stick to the included items, you’ll feel the best “value per minute.”

Dress code, ID, and dietary needs that can affect entry

This one is easy to miss when you’re planning a fun afternoon. The venue has a dress code. You should avoid:

• sandals or flip flops
• shorts
• sportswear
• ripped clothing

Guests who don’t follow the policy won’t be permitted entry into the restaurants and bars. That’s not the kind of surprise you want on a London afternoon, so check your outfits before you head over.

You’ll also want passport or ID card with you. And at the start, you’ll show your voucher upon entering The Rubens at the Palace.

If you have dietary requirements, don’t wait until the day of. Tell the provider 48 hours before your booking about vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free Afternoon Teas. That gives them time to set things up.

Who this afternoon tea fits best

This experience works especially well for:

• Couples or friends who want a classic British date or celebration
• Visitors who want a “London in one sitting” moment without museum energy
• People who enjoy food detail and the full afternoon tea sequence (savoury to scones to sweets)

If your group is split—some want sights, some want comfort—this can be a strong anchor. It’s quieter, warmer, and more controllable than sightseeing in winter weather or during a busy weekend.

Should you book The Rubens at the Palace afternoon tea?

Book it if you want a traditional afternoon tea in a truly formal setting, and you’re excited by the idea of multiple scone styles, a varied savoury plate, and a serious sweet finish. At $111, you’re paying for that “occasion” feeling and the full-service structure.

Skip or rethink it if you’re mainly looking for cheap food, or if you’re the type who hates strict dress rules. Also consider your drink expectations. If you want strict budget control, plan around what’s included rather than counting on extra orders being cheap.

If you decide to go, do one thing that makes the biggest difference: arrive with time to slow down. This is a 1.5-hour ritual. Treat it like that, and you’ll get far more out of it than a rushed bite on the way to your next stop.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the duration of afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace?

The experience lasts about 1.5 hours. You can check available starting times when you book.

Where do I meet for the experience?

You show your voucher upon entering The Rubens at the Palace.

What does the afternoon tea include?

It includes afternoon tea with freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries, plus tea or coffee. Champagne is included only if you selected the inclusive option.

Is Champagne included?

Champagne is only included if you choose the inclusive option. Otherwise, you’ll get tea or coffee included.

How much does it cost?

The price listed is $111 per person.

What tea is served?

You’ll have a selection of black, green, white, and herbal teas from P.M. David Silva & Sons.

Do I need to bring ID?

Yes. Bring a passport or ID card.

What if I have dietary requirements like gluten-free or vegan?

Inform the activity provider of dietary requirements 48 hours before your scheduled booking, including requests for vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free Afternoon Teas.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. Sandals or flip flops, shorts, sportswear, and ripped clothing are not allowed. Guests who don’t follow the dress code won’t be permitted entry.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.