5.16.2016

time for tea @ the rubens



It is rumored, that the tradition of afternoon tea began with royalty over 150 years ago. Back in 1840 it was customary for people to take two meals a day; breakfast upon waking, and dinner at around 8 o' clock in the evening. The story goes, that due to the gap between meals, the seventh Duchess of Bedford's energy levels would wane in the late afternoon. The solution; a pot of tea, bread, butter and some cake to be served in her room at around 4 o clock. This soon developed into a daily ritual, and she began to invite friends to join her, thus transforming a simple snack into a social afternoon delight. My mum and I thought we'd follow suit, and headed for a royal afternoon tea at The Rubens hotel, in a rather regal location. 


I mention the location, because it's one of the most unique things about tea at The Rubens. The hotel is situated just across the road from The Royal Mews, a working part of Buckingham Palace, where you can find the cars, coaches and carriages that the royal family use; and the (very cute!) horses that pull them as well. 

In honor of their location, The Rubens host Royal Afternoon Tea consisting of sandwiches, freshly baked scones and homemade pastries. All of which, are said to have derived from the personal preferences of members of the Royal Family throughout history. While I'm not sure if that is entirely true, I can tell you that afternoon tea at The Rubens is fit for a Queen!

Firstly, the staff are incredibly friendly, personable and all go to a great effort to get to know you and ensure that you are having a lovely time. Secondly, the food is delicious. Soft pillow-y bread full of light fillings such as cucumber and cream cheese, salmon and mayonnaise and egg and cress, warm freshly baked scones and pastries including passion fruit parfait, chocolate hazelnut tarts and jam pennies (said to be favored by The Queen herself) make up the menu that we tried. Whilst unsurprisingly traditional in their approach to afternoon tea, what makes The Rubens stand out is the fact that what they do, they do well. Which for me, makes all the difference.

Whether you're at Buckingham Palace to view the iconic daily Changing the Guard ceremony, there to behold an exciting event, such as the upcoming the State Opening of Parliament ceremony or Trooping the Colour, or just visiting, I would definitely recommend having royal day out and heading for tea at The Rubens. I can't imagine a more exciting place to enjoy this celebrated royal past time. With a front seat view to watch the procession make its way from The Royal Mews, to the front of Buckingham Palace, and beyond.

And when in London, one really ought to schedule in tea with The Queen!

19 comments:

  1. I've never been to this, but the pictures look impressive, I guess I shud go this weekend :)

    Kisses Ashon
    http://ashonfashionary.com/boyfriend-shirt-day/

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  2. beautiful photo!
    http://www.mosaictrends.com/

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  3. That restaurant looks like perfect place for afternoon tea, dear! :)

    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

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  4. Sounds so royal! I really should begin saving for a trip to London, it all sounds amazing - plus, those drinks / parfaits ?? on the top tray look so good!

    Sam | http://mybeautycloud.com

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  5. I need to go there for tea now! Looks amazing.
    Love
    Shanel
    http://babblingonbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/mikasa-beauty-brushes.html?m=1

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  6. What a regal moment indeed Raj! Thanks for sharing these beautiful and yummy pictures!
    ♥☻♥☻♥
    Jeanne
    http://fashionmusingsdiary.com

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  7. Looks so delicious! Xx

    www.thefashionfolks.com

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  8. looks liek so much fun xxo
    Jamie
    www.jamieeverafter.com

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  9. all those desserts look delicious! I love your pictures
    x,Abril
    The Color Palette

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  10. Mmm...The Rubens looks so yummy but I'm such a sucker for high tea cakes and tea! Looks like such a wonderful place <3

    xx Bash |   go say   H E Y   B A S H

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  11. It really looks like you have the time of your life <3 I am always super jealous going through your photos :D love it sweetie ;)

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  12. Nice post! Yummy desserts..

    www.luv4beautyblog.com

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  13. This is such a cute post! I'm definitely an advocate of afternoon teas haha :) x

    Eleanorclaudie.com

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  14. Ah how fun to have an afternoon tea with your mom. I love the royal theme of this hotel too, so pretty. Love the food and the table setting.

    -Lily from With Love Lily Rose

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  15. This is so lovely! I love the horses
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  16. Afternoon teas are my favouriteee! I love your pictures x

    http://thelondonthing.co.uk/

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  17. Great this photos
    Looks delicious all this food

    >> http://joandcompanystyle.blogspot.pt/ <<

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  18. Photos are great and perfect. I hope you had a great time in this chick and stylish place :)

    Kisses for you: theviktoria.blogspot.com

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