London: Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace

Elegant Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace for $111.13

Visiting London offers countless experiences, but few combine the charm of British tradition with luxury quite like the Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace. This 1.5-hour experience, priced at $111.13 per person, takes place in the elegant Palace Lounge of a 5-star hotel located in Greater London. The tour is perfect for those who want to indulge in a classic British ritual amid a sophisticated atmosphere, with the option to add Champagne for extra celebration.

What makes this experience stand out is the well-curated menu, featuring both sweet and savory delicacies, complemented by a selection of teas from P.M. David Silva & Sons. While the setting offers a refined environment, it’s accessible for many, including those with mobility needs, thanks to wheelchair access. Just be aware that dress code restrictions are in place, and booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot during your preferred time.

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Key Points

• Luxury setting at The Rubens at the Palace, a 5-star hotel in London’s Greater area
• Duration of 1.5 hours with flexible start times based on availability
• Menu options include traditional finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones, and decadent sweets
• Champagne upgrade available to add a celebratory touch
• Dress code enforced, with no sandals, flip-flops, shorts, or sportswear permitted
• Free cancellation up to 2 days prior, making it easy to plan with confidence

The Historic Venue: The Rubens at the Palace Hotel

Positioned in the heart of London, The Rubens at the Palace is a luxurious 5-star hotel renowned for its regal ambiance and classic style. The Palace Lounge where the afternoon tea is served exudes sophistication, offering a cozy yet elegant environment perfect for relaxing with friends or loved ones. With its prime location, the hotel provides an authentic British experience, making it an ideal spot for those wanting to indulge in tradition while exploring London’s sights.

The interior decor enhances the experience, giving visitors a real sense of British grandeur. The staff are praised for their wonderful service, ensuring that every guest feels pampered. The venue is wheelchair accessible, making it a comfortable choice for all visitors.

The Royal Afternoon Tea Menu: Savory and Sweet Highlights

The Royal Afternoon Tea menu features an impressive array of savory finger sandwiches, starting with Scottish smoked salmon with caviar and chive cream cheese on cape seed loaf. Other options include roast beef sirloin with wild rocket and horseradish cream on beetroot bread, and chicken with grain mustard mayonnaise and toasted almonds on white bread. Vegetarian choices like cucumber with mint crème fraîche on Norfolk crunch are also available, and dietary requirements can be communicated 48 hours in advance.

For scones, guests enjoy plain, fruit, or cheese varieties, served with homemade seasonal preserves, lemon curd, and clotted cream. The sweet selections showcase refined desserts such as the Crown Hukambi chocolate with hazelnut praline, blackberry éclair, and rhubarb and vanilla tart. The menu also includes a citrus meringue tart and vanilla sponge with rhubarb jelly and crémeux.

Pair your selections with a variety of black, green, white, and herbal teas. The tea collection complements the menu perfectly and enhances the traditional feel of the experience. For those looking to toast their visit, Champagne can be added to elevate the occasion.

The Experience: Savoring Classic Afternoon Tea

Guests are welcomed into the Palace Lounge, where they can choose to enjoy Champagne along with their afternoon tea. The service is frequently praised as wonderful and attentive, making the entire experience feel indulgent and relaxed. The pace is well-managed, giving ample time to enjoy each course, with the entire experience lasting about 1.5 hours.

The traditional atmosphere, paired with mouth-watering pastries and sandwiches, creates a quintessentially British setting. The combination of warm scones and sweet desserts offers a delightful contrast, pleasing both those craving savory bites and those with a sweet tooth.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point and Dress Code

Entry is straightforward—guests simply need to show their voucher upon entering the Rubens at the Palace. The activity ends back at the same location, making transportation planning easier. The venue enforces a dress code, requesting guests avoid sandals, flip-flops, shorts, sportswear, or ripped clothing.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, accommodating visitors with mobility needs comfortably. No additional food or drinks are included beyond the menu, and transportation is not provided, so plan accordingly.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policies

Booking this experience offers free cancellation up to 2 days in advance, providing peace of mind in case plans change. The tour is hosted in English and is suitable for a wide range of guests. Be sure to bring your passport or ID for check-in, especially if you are asked to verify your identity.

Comparing with Other London Afternoon Tea Options

This experience, priced at $111.13, offers a compelling combination of luxury setting, authentic menu, and professional service. While some other options include scone-making workshops or guided tours, this afternoon tea emphasizes relaxation and indulgence in a refined environment. The option to add Champagne makes it ideal for special occasions, and the positive reviews highlight the spectacular food and service.

Final Thoughts: A Truly Regal Tea Experience

The Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace delivers a classic British ritual in a luxurious setting. Its well-prepared menu, attentive service, and elegant atmosphere make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a refined break in London. The experience’s reviews consistently praise the food and staff, reinforcing its reputation as a top-tier afternoon tea.

While dress code restrictions and the absence of included drinks outside the menu may be considerations, most guests will find the value and authenticity well worth the cost. It’s especially suited for special occasions or a leisurely afternoon during a London visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Champagne included in the price?
No, Champagne is an optional upgrade that can be added during booking for an additional cost.

How long does the afternoon tea last?
The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?
Yes, dietary requests such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free options can be specified 48 hours in advance.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Palace Lounge is wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear?
Guests should avoid sandals, flip-flops, shorts, sportswear, and ripped clothing to adhere to the dress code.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 2 days before the scheduled experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby