Rubens at the Palace hotel disappointing afternoon tea - Buckingham Palace Road , London

 My 2nd birthday afternoon tea and was disappointing. 

So looking forward to this as a five star London hotel and not in been before. I booked the bottomless champagne afternoon tea priced at £75 each however I only paid £45 each as brought a buyagift voucher when they were offering a discount. I never pay full price unless I have to !!!!!

The hotel was lovely but the service let it down. 

We was greeted by smartly dressed doorman who asked us to wait in reception as we were about 15 minutes early. Whilst waiting I went to the bathroom which was impressive and very nice. 

Our table was small and facing the window which out looked onto the street and the palace mews entrance. Great seat for people watching but at same time had our backs to rest of the restaurant lounge. 

We were given the menu and asked if we had any allergies. The waiter then took our order for hot drinks and poured us a glass of champagne. I was rather disappointed that it was unbranded champagne and not Lanson as marked on our glasses and  on the menu should you order per glass. For £75 each I would expect Lansons brand. 

The menu sounded very nice especially the honey and white chocolate scones 

ROYAL AFTERNOON TEA

SANDWICHES

Smoked scottish salmon & horseradish cream cheese
Coronation chicken & toasted almonds
Ham, cheese & tomato chutney
Egg & watercress
Cucumber & cream cheese

SCONES

Traditional plain & honey & white chocolate scones served with homemade seasonal fruit preserve & clotted cream

PASTRIES

Gin & tonic macaron a gin & tonic is the queen’s tipple of choice. This macaron has an uncanny g&t flavour without the addition of alcohol
Lemon & elderflower cube an ode to the duke and duchess of sussex’s baby archie: the royal couple’s wedding cake flavours showcased in a baby box
Peach mousse grown in the orchards at windsor castle, peaches are queen elizabeth ii’s favourite fruit
Earl grey & chocolate orange crown jewels our earl grey cheesecake and chocolate mousse crown jewels are a homage to her majesty, the queen’s love for tea and especially earl grey tea
Seasonal Rubens éclair inspired by prince charles’ sustainability farming

When the afternoon tea stand arrived it was very tall and placed on the floor next to our small table. The cakes on top looked very fancy.

We wasted no time in tucking into the sandwiches on flavoured breads, We got five different ones each and they were all very tasty and fresh. I liked the coronation chicken and the ham and cheese one best. 

The restaurant was getting busy now and our champagne glasses had been empty for about 20 minutes so we had to ask for a top up and also another glass of tap water.  For a 5 star hotel I expected better service as they did not even offer us any more sandwiches. Not that we wanted any but a good hotel afternoon tea should be offering more and checking if everything is ok with it. 

Next we started on the scones  and the waiter  asked if we wanted any more tea of coffee. 

The scones were not warm but may of been to begin with. They were light and fluffy inside and very nice. We had to ask for another pot of homemade jam and cream as there was not enough for 2 scones each. Although the scones were very nice I did not think the white chocolate and honey one tasted that much different. 

The five  cakes looked very nice but they were more like a dessert than cakes as all very creamy mouse like inside. Even the eclair looking one was not choux pastry just a soft mouse coated in a flavoured glaze like jelly. They were generous in size but as only got one of each type we had to cut them all in half which was a bit messy to do as very soft. 

Not at any point during out time did we get asked if we wanted any more food or if everything was OK . We also had to ask again for out champagne to be topped up. 

I was so looking forward to this afternoon tea as good reviews and a well know 5 start hotel..........Left feeling a bit disappointed. 

Nearest Station : Victoria station - about 6 minute walk

Best bits : Nice sandwiches on different breads and nice scones

Worst bits : Overall service and cakes at the end 

Value for money : No not for £75 each with cheap non branded champagne 

would I go back? : No sorry I do not think I would