Afternoon tea here feels like a royal pause button. The Rubens at the Palace turns a simple ritual into an event with opulent Palace Lounge interiors and a classic spread of savouries, scones, and desserts. I particularly love the freshly baked scones with clotted cream and the way the finger sandwiches keep things properly British and satisfying. The main drawback is the price: it’s upscale, and you may also feel nudged toward extra drink purchases.

You’ll also be in good hands right from the start, since you just show your voucher when you arrive and an English host greets you. For most people, the bigger question isn’t whether it’s pretty—it’s whether you’re the kind of person who enjoys slow food, tea choices, and a dress-up moment.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Palace Lounge atmosphere: a proper “treat yourself” setting without needing a long itinerary
• Scones the traditional way: plain, fruit, and cheese with clotted cream and homemade preserve
• A full Royal Afternoon Tea menu: savoury finger sandwiches, plus a serious lineup of sweet pastries
• Tea selection matters here: black, green, white, and herbal options from P.M. David Silva & Sons
• Champagne is optional: included only if you choose the inclusive option
• Dress code is enforced: skip sandals/flip-flops and sportswear so you don’t lose entry

The Rubens at the Palace: where your tea break becomes an experience

The Rubens at the Palace is one of those London addresses that instantly changes your mood. You’re not just having tea—you’re doing it in a space built for ceremony, the kind of room where you sit back, slow down, and let the afternoon happen to you.

That’s the real value: the setting does part of the work. The British afternoon tea format is familiar, but here it’s matched with atmosphere that makes the whole ritual feel special. One review described it as genuinely princess-like, and you can see why. It’s designed to feel grand, with comfort that keeps you from thinking about time too much.

What a 1.5-hour Royal Afternoon Tea feels like

This experience is timed for a calm pace. You’re looking at about 1.5 hours, which is long enough to enjoy the full progression without feeling rushed, but short enough that it won’t swallow your whole day.

Here’s the rhythm you can expect:

First, you settle in, look over the menu style choices, and get your drinks underway. Then the food comes in stages: savouries first, followed by scones, and finally the sweet course. Between each part, you can take a breath, switch teas (if you want), and actually taste instead of just sampling.

A nice detail: the included tea/coffee is part of the package, so you’re not forced into upsells to have a proper drink. Still, one thing to watch for is that some venues try to sell extra water or wine during the meal—so if you’re keeping costs tight, stick to what’s included.

The drink choice: tea from P.M. David Silva & Sons (and champagne if selected)

Tea isn’t treated like an afterthought. You’ll choose from a range that includes black, green, white, and herbal teas, from P.M. David Silva & Sons. That matters because it gives you a way to match your tea to the courses: lighter teas can play nicer with delicate pastries, while darker teas can handle richer bites.

If you chose an inclusive option, champagne can be part of your experience. If not, you’re still covered with tea/coffee included—so you’re not locked into bubbly to have a good time. Either way, the core idea stays the same: you’re sipping while you eat slowly.

Savoury finger sandwiches: the part that keeps afternoon tea from being too sweet

Afternoon tea can go two ways: either the savoury course is an honest balance, or it’s just there to feel traditional. Here, the savoury section is clearly built to fill you up and satisfy your taste buds.

You may find options like:

• 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 cheese and plum tomato on onion bread
• Cucumber and mint crème fraîche on Norfolk crunch

Even if the exact items vary, the approach is consistent: multiple breads, a mix of flavours, and enough variety that you can find a favourite quickly.

If you’re someone who worries that afternoon tea will be all sugar with small bites, this is the section that helps you feel like the meal is worth the money.

Scones, clotted cream, and homemade preserves: the centerpiece moment

Scones are the big deal in British afternoon tea, and this one keeps the tradition intact. You should get a trio of types—plain, fruit, and cheese—served with clotted cream and homemade seasonal preserve.

You may also see accompaniments like lemon curd alongside the clotted cream. That gives you options: keep it classic with clotted cream and preserve, then switch it up if you want something brighter.

Here’s why this matters for your experience: scones are best when the texture and temperature are right. This is the course where the venue’s care shows most. If you like bakery-style treats, you’ll likely spend longer here than you expect.

The sweet course: pastries with names you’ll want to remember

The dessert lineup is where the experience really leans into “treat yourself.” You’ll get a spread that can include items such as:

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

Not every plate will match every item, since menus can vary, but the idea is the same: multiple sweet bites with different textures (cream, pastry, tart, sponge) instead of one-note cake.

If you’re watching sugar intake, don’t feel you need to “finish it all.” The point is variety—take a bite of what sounds most interesting, and then slow down with your tea.

Price and value: what you’re paying for, and what you can control

At $111 per person, this isn’t a budget afternoon tea. So what do you get for that price?

You’re paying for:

• A full Royal Afternoon Tea format (savouries, scones, and pastries)
• Tea/coffee included
• The Palace Lounge setting, which changes the whole mood
• The option for champagne only if you select the inclusive option

Where you can reduce stress on value is in drink decisions. Since extra drinks can be offered during the meal, set a plan before you sit down: stick to tea/coffee if you want to keep it simple, or choose champagne if you want the celebratory touch.

One caution: price can feel steep, especially if you’re comparing it to cheaper afternoon teas around London. But if you want a “special day” experience, the venue and the full course selection are the main reasons the cost makes sense.

Dress code and ID: small rules that can affect your arrival

Before you go, take the dress code seriously. Entry can be refused if you show up in the wrong outfit. Avoid:

• Sandals or flip-flops
• Shorts
• Sportswear
• Ripped clothing

Also bring a passport or ID card. It’s a straightforward requirement, but it’s the kind of thing people forget when they’ve planned the day around food and photos.

If you’re dressing up anyway, this is easy. If you were planning a casual day in sneakers and shorts, you’ll need to adjust.

Who this afternoon tea is best for (and who should think twice)

This experience is a great fit if you want:

• A classic British afternoon tea with a real scones-and-savouries structure
• A memorable setting for a birthday, anniversary, or “London day” treat
• An easy, low-effort plan that takes about 1.5 hours

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re trying to keep costs very low
• You hate being offered upgrades during your meal
• You want something quick and casual rather than slow, seated food

If you’re coming as a couple or a small group, it’s especially satisfying because you’ll actually talk between courses instead of rushing.

Quick practical tips before you book

• Plan on slow pacing—this is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.
• Choose your drinks with intention so the total bill matches your idea of value.
• Wear something that follows the dress code so you don’t run into entry issues.
• If you have dietary needs, request them 48 hours before your booking so the kitchen can prepare appropriately (vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free are specifically mentioned).

Should you book The Rubens afternoon tea?

If you want a classic afternoon tea experience with the most important parts done properly—proper savouries, scones with clotted cream, and a thoughtful sweet course—this is a strong choice. The biggest “yes” comes from the pairing of food structure and venue mood. You’re buying a slice of British tradition in a room that makes it feel like an occasion.

Book it if you’re celebrating, love tea culture, or simply want a memorable London stop without the stress of transportation planning. Skip it if you’re price-sensitive or prefer casual meals over dressed-up rituals.

FAQ

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

It lasts about 1.5 hours.

What’s included in the afternoon tea package?

Your package includes afternoon tea (scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries) plus tea/coffee. Champagne is included only if you selected the inclusive option.

Is champagne guaranteed?

No. Champagne is only included if the inclusive option is selected.

Do I need to bring ID?

Yes. You should bring a passport or ID card.

What dietary requests can you accommodate?

You can request vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free, but you need to inform the provider 48 hours before your scheduled booking.

Where do I check in?

Show your voucher upon entering The Rubens at the Palace.

What’s the dress code?

Avoid sandals/flip-flops, shorts, sportswear, and ripped clothing. Dress code issues can mean you won’t be permitted entry.

What if plans change?

You can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

You Might Also Enjoy

Hairy Coos & Highland Views: A Short Escape from EdinburghLondon: Guided Agatha Christie Walking TourBelfast: Private Black Taxi Tour with GuideWhitewater Rafting on the River Dee in Llangollen