

London: Afternoon Tea at The Rubens, Buckingham Palace
Operating Hours:Monday - Sunday: 12:30 - 17:00
The Vibe:Palace views with your pot of Darjeeling 👑
Directly across the road from Buckingham Palace's Royal Mews, this Victorian townhouse hotel serves a Royal-themed afternoon tea in its Palace Lounge. Finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and uninterrupted views of the Queen's horses and carriages.
The hum of polite conversation; teaspoons chiming against bone china. The scent of warm scones arriving on a tiered silver stand as hansom-cab horses clip past the window.
- • Directly opposite Buckingham Palace's Royal Mews
- • Afternoon tea service features a Royal-themed menu
- • Consistently ranked among London's most atmospheric palace-facing teas
Persona Fit
- 💕 Couples: Quintessential London tea experience
- 👵 Seniors: Comfortable, seated tradition with palace views
- 👨👩👧 Families: Children's tea option on menu
- 🎁 Gift experience seekers: Popular milestone celebration
Highlights
- Buckingham Palace Royal Mews directly across the road
- Royal-themed afternoon tea with crown-decorated pastries
- Extensive loose-leaf tea selection
- Glass of champagne upgrade available
- Vegan and gluten-free menus offered — Hidden Gem
1 Curated Booking Option
Starts From
(Per Person)

Sarah Riches
Our London Local Expert
Table of Contents
- Victoria Tube and Rail — five-minute walk
- St James's Park Tube — seven-minute walk
- Directly across from Royal Mews entrance
Food & Coffee Shops
Tea included — no need for additional food stops
Hotel's Curry Room for a later-evening Indian meal
Pret at Victoria for quick refuels nearby
Tea included — no need for additional food stops
Hotel's Curry Room for a later-evening Indian meal
Pret at Victoria for quick refuels nearby
Insider Tips
Best Time: 15:00 service — mid-afternoon catches best palace light
Hack: Request a Palace Lounge window table at booking
Hidden Gem: Vegan tea is exceptionally crafted, not an afterthought
Book 2–4 weeks ahead for weekends
Best Time: 15:00 service — mid-afternoon catches best palace light
Hack: Request a Palace Lounge window table at booking
Hidden Gem: Vegan tea is exceptionally crafted, not an afterthought
Book 2–4 weeks ahead for weekends
Photography Tips
Tiered stand photographs well near window light
Royal Mews across the road frames neatly at golden hour
Avoid flash — disturbs other diners
Tiered stand photographs well near window light
Royal Mews across the road frames neatly at golden hour
Avoid flash — disturbs other diners
Things To Do Nearby
Buckingham Palace — two-minute walk for Guard viewing
Royal Mews — see royal carriages across the road
St James's Park — pairs well with a post-tea walk
Buckingham Palace — two-minute walk for Guard viewing
Royal Mews — see royal carriages across the road
St James's Park — pairs well with a post-tea walk







