London: Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace

London does tea like theater. At The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, the Palace Lounge turns afternoon tea into a proper royal pause, with a menu that feels classic, not gimmicky. I love the opulent surroundings, and I really like that the meal stays old-school British, especially the scones served with clotted cream and homemade preserves.

You’ll move through savoury finger sandwiches, a comforting scone course, and a line-up of sweet pastries and tarts, then finish with tea chosen from black, green, white, and herbal options. One possible drawback is the price, and you should also be ready for extra drinks talk (like water or wine) if you did not plan for it.

Key moments to know before you go

1. Palace Lounge setting that feels like a big-screen version of British afternoon tea
2. Traditional scone service with clotted cream plus homemade seasonal preserve
3. A full afternoon spread of finger sandwiches, multiple scone choices (plain, fruit, cheese), and pastries
4. Tea options from P.M. David Silva & Sons, including black, green, white, and herbal teas
5. Optional Champagne if you choose the inclusive option
6. Strict dress code (no sandals, flip-flops, shorts, sportswear, or ripped clothing)

Step inside The Rubens Palace Lounge, and yes, the mood matters

This is afternoon tea as an experience, not just a snack. The Rubens at the Palace is the kind of London address where the surroundings do half the work, and the Palace Lounge is built for people who want comfort, polish, and a little ceremony.

What you’re really buying here is the feeling of stepping into a classic British ritual. That matters because afternoon tea is at its best when you slow down. You do not come here to rush through photos and leave. You come to sit, chat, and let the meal unfold in a neat, paced order.

If you’re pairing this with sightseeing, plan your day so you arrive with energy left. A 1.5-hour meal goes faster than you think when you’re trying to beat crowds.

The 1.5-hour “Royal Afternoon Tea” flow you should expect

Your time is about 1.5 hours, and the format is the standard afternoon tea structure. You’ll get a combination of savouries, scones, and sweets, along with tea or coffee.

Here’s how it typically lands, course by course:

First, you start with savoury finger sandwiches. These are not one-note. They’re designed to hit different flavors, from seafood to roast beef to dairy-forward vegetarian options.

Then comes the scone moment. This is the anchor of the whole experience, and it’s where good afternoon tea earns its reputation.

Finally, the sweet section brings pastries and tarts that range from chocolate to fruit. You’ll want to pace yourself, because the tea keeps moving and the desserts do not hold back.

If your package includes it, you can add Champagne as you settle in. If not, tea and coffee are still included.

Savoury finger sandwiches: a mix that feels properly British

The savoury set is built like a sampler. You’ll see options that include combinations like Scottish smoked salmon, caviar, and chive cream cheese on cape seed loaf. If you like bold flavors, this is the kind of first bite that makes you pay attention.

You may also get roast beef sirloin with wild rocket and horseradish cream on beetroot bread. That mix sounds daring, but it works because the horseradish keeps things lively and not heavy.

Other sandwich variations in the sample menu include chicken with grain mustard mayonnaise and toasted almonds on white bread, Barber’s cheddar cheese and plum tomato on onion bread, and cucumber with mint crème fraîche on Norfolk crunch. That last one matters if you want something lighter in the middle of richer bites.

Why this is good value: you are not choosing a single dish. You’re tasting several, and each one changes the flavor direction so the meal stays interesting without needing outside distractions.

Scones, clotted cream, and homemade preserves: the real test

The scones are served as plain, fruit, and cheese. You also get them with a trio of toppings, including clotted cream and homemade seasonal preserve, plus lemon curd.

This is where you’ll feel the difference between a basic afternoon tea and a solid one. A good scone is warm enough to stay soft, not just edible. The clotted cream should feel thick and creamy, and the preserve or curd should add contrast so it doesn’t all taste sweet in the same way.

A practical tip: if you plan to try both lemon curd and preserve, do it across bites. Take one spoonful, then one bite, then switch. It helps you actually taste the difference instead of pouring everything together and hoping for the best.

Also, don’t skip the cheese scone if you’re even slightly interested. It’s often the one that pairs most cleanly with tea that isn’t overly flavored.

Sweet pastries and tarts: chocolate, fruit, and a few fancy turns

The sweet lineup in the sample menu is where the menu gets playful. You may see items such as The Crown Hukambi chocolate, hazelnut praline, and chocolate sablé, plus a blackberry éclair and blackberry chiboust with blackberry fruit glaze.

There are also fruit-forward options like rhubarb and vanilla, and a set that includes vanilla sponge, rhubarb jelly, and opalys crémeux. If you like citrus, watch for a citrus meringue tart, plus almond cream with candied lemon and lime zest.

Why this matters: afternoon tea is often either too sweet or too predictable. Here, the sweets include chocolate, fruit, and lighter tart structures. That means you’re more likely to finish the meal feeling satisfied, not overloaded.

Pairing tip: if you pick a more floral or lighter tea, let it handle the fruit tarts. If you choose a richer tea, chocolate tends to feel more balanced.

Tea from P.M. David Silva & Sons, plus how to order without second-guessing

You’ll choose from black, green, white, and herbal teas from P.M. David Silva & Sons. You also get tea or coffee included.

This is a small detail that changes the experience a lot. In many afternoon teas, tea is just tea. Here, the selection is part of the “proper British” angle, and it helps you steer the flavors. A black tea can stand up to chocolate and richer pastries. A lighter herbal or green option can keep the palate from feeling sticky after desserts.

If you’re ordering smart, decide your tea style early. Choose based on the last thing you plan to eat, not the first thing. If your sweet section includes chocolate and blackberry desserts, a black tea usually plays nice. If you’re leaning citrus and meringue, a lighter tea can keep things clean.

And if Champagne is included in your package, keep it in the plan, not an afterthought. Champagne often makes the savouries feel brighter, and it can be a nice reset before scones.

Price and value: what $111 per person really buys

At $111 per person, this afternoon tea sits firmly in the high-end category. The value question is simple: are you paying for food, or are you paying for the whole ritual?

You’re getting a lot for the money: tea or coffee is included, along with a full spread of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones in three styles, and a set of sweet pastries. If you select the inclusive option, Champagne is also included.

So the best value case is when you actually want the full experience. That means you’re comfortable treating this as an event, not a budget meal. It’s especially strong if you’re celebrating something or you just want a memorable London moment that feels distinctly British.

One caution on price value: some people feel there can be nudges toward additional drinks like water or wine. That does not make the tea worse, but it does mean you should set your expectation. If you know you only want what’s included, stick to that plan.

Dress code and logistics for an easy 1.5-hour visit

London afternoon tea can be surprisingly rule-heavy. Here, the dress code is clear: no sandals or flip-flops, no shorts, no sportswear, and no ripped clothing. If you show up in athletic wear or casual cutoffs, entry may be denied.

For a smooth visit, choose something comfortable but not sporty. Think neat, classic, and easy to sit in for an hour. You want to focus on the food, not on whether your outfit is going to get you stopped at the door.

Timing is another simple factor. The experience runs about 1.5 hours, and starting times depend on availability. Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle and get your tea choice without rushing.

Meeting point is straightforward: show your voucher upon entering The Rubens at the Palace.

Also, if you have dietary needs, tell the provider at least 48 hours before your booking. The menu can support vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free requests if you make the request in time.

Who should book this afternoon tea (and who might skip it)

I think this is best for you if you want a classic London ritual in a beautiful setting. It’s also a great pick if you like tasting multiple items rather than committing to one main dish.

If you’re traveling with someone who loves proper British tradition, this is an easy yes. You get the atmosphere, the structured courses, and a menu that covers savoury, scone, and sweet without feeling random.

You might skip it if you want a casual, quick, low-cost meal. The $111 price is part of the deal, and the full experience is meant to be slow and ceremonial.

It also makes sense if you want a wheelchair-accessible option, since the venue is listed as wheelchair accessible. (Always double-check details close to your date if you have specific needs.)

Should you book The Rubens at the Palace afternoon tea?

Book it if you want a proper, old-school afternoon tea with three strong pillars: savoury finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves, and a confident sweet finish. The Palace Lounge atmosphere turns it into more than a meal, and the tea selection from P.M. David Silva & Sons helps you round out the flavors.

Skip or reconsider if you are trying to keep spending tight, or if you dislike venues where additional drink orders might get suggested. If you do book, decide in advance what you want beyond tea or coffee, and you’ll get a smoother, more satisfying experience.

FAQ

How long is the afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace?

The duration is about 1.5 hours.

Where do I meet for the experience?

Show your voucher upon entering The Rubens at the Palace.

What is included in the afternoon tea package?

It includes afternoon tea with freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, pastries, plus tea or coffee.

Is Champagne included?

Champagne is included only if you select the inclusive option.

What types of tea can I choose from?

You can choose from black, green, white, and herbal teas from P.M. David Silva & Sons, plus tea or coffee is included.

What scones are served?

Plain, fruit, and cheese scones are served with homemade seasonal preserve, lemon curd, and clotted cream.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes, but you must inform the activity provider of dietary requirements at least 48 hours before your booking, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free options.

What should I wear?

No sandals or flip-flops, no shorts, no sportswear, and no ripped clothing. The dress code can affect entry.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair accessibility is listed as available.

Is there free cancellation?

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