Afternoon Tea in the Palace Lounge at The Rubens Hotel

Afternoon Tea

• Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea£105.00

• Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea£45.00

Black Tea

• The Rubens Tea, St James Estate, Uva, Ceylon

  St James estate was founded by pioneer British planters during the plantation raj in Ceylon. The tea is hand-picked during the height of the Uva “flavoury” season and uniquely crafted for The Rubens at the Palace. The tea is strong and aromatic with a strong bouquet of the classic natural wintergreen flavour. Perfectly paired with the Roast Beef Sirloin, Caramelised Onion Mayonnaise & Watercress Sandwich.

• The Royal Jubilee Tea by Lovers Leap Tea Estate, Nuwaraeliya, Ceylon

  The estate takes its name from two lovers who leapt to their fate. The late HRH Duke of Edinburgh visited this estate on a Royal tour of the island in 1954. The Duke planted a selection of tea bushes during his visit. Lovers Leap tea was the only tea served and drunk by those in attendance at the state banquet dinners during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of 2012. The flavours are bright, crisp and clean. Perfectly paired with the Crown Cake.

• Mattakelle Golden Curl

  A fusion of Japanese and Sri Lanka flavour. Grown on Mattakelle Tea estate on the western slopes of Sri Lanka, the tea is harvested from a Japanese tea bush known as Benifuki that was gifted to the estate. The tea is harvested from one leaf and a bud. It has a natural rosy aroma with a jasmine floral flavour. Perfectly paired with the Fruit Scones.

• Souchong

  A tea which flourishes at sea level and is gently smoked over cinnamon wood, furnishing it with a fragrant smoked note. The finish in this cup is a whisper of spicy sweetness and splendour. Perfectly paired with the Smoked Salmon, Caviar & Chive Cream Cheese Sandwich.

• Planters’ Breakfast

  Strong and full bodied. Before English breakfast, early tea planters enjoyed the full bodied flavours of Planter’s Breakfast in Ceylon. The perfect conditions for creating that rich full taste are found in the Dimbula valley. This is where the award-winning Planters’ Breakfast is handpicked. Perfectly paired with the Barber’s Cheddar Cheese & Plum Tomato Sandwich.

• Planters’ Afternoon

  The traditional afternoon tea of cakes and sandwiches is best taken with a bright and fragrant tea. The award-winning afternoon tea is handpicked on the rolling hills of Ceylon’s Uva region. Ideal on its own or with a splash of milk. Perfectly paired with the Cheese Scones and Lemon Curd.

• Planters’ Earl Grey

  The most aristocratic of teas is infused with the unmistakable aroma of bergamot. To balance the citrus, you need a bold tea. The Earl Grey is handpicked and infused with a drop of natural bergamot oil. Perfectly paired with the Cucumber & Dill Crème Fraîche Sandwich.

• Planters’ Mistress

  A light, golden tea scented with bergamot, orange and lemon peel that leaves the palate feeling refreshed with a fresh citrus flavour. Perfectly paired with the Bergamot and Earl Grey Tart.

• Prince of Wales Blend

  A tribute to Edward, Prince of Wales, who held this distinguished title from 1911 to 1936. This exclusive blend features a bold black tea, carefully balanced with high-grown gunpowder green tea. To enhance its unique character, the blend is finished with a touch of dried cranberry, adding a subtle sweetness and a hint of tartness. Perfectly paired with the Fig and Hazelnut Layer Cake.

• A Garden Fairytale

  A whimsical blend of black tea. The sweet allure of apple and quince intertwines with the tangy brightness of hibiscus and orange, creating a harmonious symphony. Perfectly paired with the Crown Cake.

• Radiant Rose Pearl

  An irresistible combination of high grown pekoe tea with rose petals give a radiant, exhilarating infusion. Radiant Rose has a perfumed nose, which flourishes into a sweet and floral infusion. A sophisticated tea, that can be enjoyed with or without milk. Perfectly paired with the Plain Scones.

• Vanilla Chai

  A harmonious blend of rich flavours from the spices; nutmeg, saffron and clove, together with the aromas from the vanilla pods which infuse the tea with a natural sweetness and creamy finish. Perfectly paired with the Bergamot and Earl Grey Tart.

• Imperial Chocolate

  Rich, velvety notes of chocolate blend with a robust black tea base, inviting you to savour this perfect harmony. Perfectly paired with the Chocolate Orange Choux.

• Chai Cinnamon

  The marriage of quality high grown tea and indigenous Ceylon spices produce an exceptional tea with piquancy. The tea’s sumptuous, spicy notes entice the palate whilst finishing with the sweet, smoothness of cinnamon. Perfectly paired with the Chocolate Orange Choux.

Green Tea

• Jasmine Green

  Delicate jasmine blossoms, meticulously layered amidst tender green tea leaves, offering a delightful aroma that transports you to a serene garden in bloom. Sip slowly and savour the harmonious balance of floral elegance and crisp green notes, leaving a lingering sensation of tranquillity and refreshment on your palate. Perfectly paired with the Cucumber & Dill Crème Fraîche Sandwich.

White Tea

• Silver Tips£25.00

  Drinking Silver Tips is an indulgent experience. Its clear infusion possesses a slight metallic sheen on the surface. Silver Tips are carefully nurtured in perfect microclimate conditions and handpicked only at precise times. Chosen from a distinct cultivar the unfurled tender buds enter a unique oxidisation process, handcrafted to perfection. Perfectly paired with the Fruit Scones.

Herbal Tea

• Rooibos

  Unique to the Western Cape of South Africa this is a bright orange infusion that is rich in Vitamin C, Iron & Magnesium. Perfectly paired with the Fig and Hazelnut Layer Cake.

• Peppermint Leaves

  A cherished herbal tea that has been used for centuries to aid digestion and leaves a fresh minty tang. Best enjoyed as an after meal drink palate cleanser or as a digestive aid.

• Lemongrass & Ginger

  Aromatic and refreshing the fusion of fresh, zesty lemongrass with spicy, sweet ginger produces an uplifting herbal concoction. Perfectly paired with the Chicken & Grain Mustard Mayonnaise Sandwich.

• Apple Cinnamon

  Artful blend of black tea, apple pieces, hibiscus, marigold, liquorice and Ceylon Cinnamon gives your cuppa a fruity and spicy twist. Perfectly paired with the Fruit Scones.

Oolong Tea

• Milk Oolong - Formosa

  Milk Oolongs are only found in Formosa (Taiwan) and are made by handpicking the Jin Xuan tea plant. Green in colour yet with a buttery, milk flavour. Milk Oolong is an excellent introduction to the world of Oolong tea. Created completely by nature and skill of the tea maker. Perfectly paired with the Fig and Hazelnut Layer Cake.

The Royal Collection

Add a little sparkle

• The King's Swan£20.00

  No.3 Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Violette, Citrus, Cucumber, White & Red Grapes, Lanson Champagne Shot

• Espresso Martini£19.00

  Absolut Vodka, Rubens Coffee Liqueur, Espresso

• The Changing Guard£19.00

  ABA Pisco, Yellow Chartreuse, Citrus, Vanilla, Pineapple & Basil, Lanson Champagne

• The Seventh Duchess of Bedford£19.00

  Tanqueray 10 Gin, Four Pillars, Navy Strength Gin, Rubens Sweet Vermouth Blend, Rubens Bitter Blend, Pink Green Tea, Banana, Matcha

• Margarita's Promise£19.00

  Herradura Blanco, Citrus, Fresh Orange, Aromatic Peychaud Bitters, Agave Nectar, Soda, Hawaiian Black Lava Salt

• Detox Glam£19.00

  Ceylon Arrack, Rum, Lemongrass and Turmeric Syrup, Lime, Cardamom, Galangal Soda

Champagne, Prosecco & Non-Alcoholic Sparkling

• Lanson Le Black Réserve£22.00

  • 125ml£22.00
  • 750ml£125.00

• Lanson Rosé£25.00

  • 125ml£25.00
  • 750ml£150.00

• Lanson Le Green£26.00

  • 125ml£26.00
  • 750ml£170.00

• Zarlino Prosecco Asolo DOCG£13.00

  • 125ml£13.00
  • 750ml£55.00

• Wild Idol Rosé£17.00

  • 125ml£17.00
  • 750ml£95.00

Savoury

• Smoked Salmon, Caviar & Chive Cream Cheese

  on Cape Seed Loaf

• Roast Pork, Sage & Onion Stuffing, Bramley Apple Sauce

  on White Bread

• Cucumber & Dill Crème Fraîche

  on Norfolk Crunch

• Chicken and Grain Mustard Mayonnaise, Toasted Almonds

  on White Bread

• Barber’s Cheddar Cheese & Plum Tomato

  on Onion Bread

• Spiced Egg Mayonnaise & Mustard Cress

  on Harissa Bread

• Cucumber & Dill Crème Fraîche

  on Norfolk Crunch

• Mrs Tollman's Tindle Chicken Sandwich

  on White Bread

• Baba Ghanoush, Grilled Vegetables, Vegan Parmesan

  on Spinach Bread

• Barber’s Cheddar Cheese & Plum Tomato

  on Onion Bread

• Spiced Tofu Egg Mayonnaise & Mustard Cress

  on Charcoal Bread

• Cucumber & Dill Crème Fraîche

  on Norfolk Crunch

• Mrs Tollman's Tindle Chicken Sandwich

  on White Bread

• Baba Ghanoush, Grilled Vegetables, Vegan Parmesan

  on Spinach Bread

• Vegan Cheddar Cheese & Plum Tomato

  on Onion Bread

• Smoked Salmon, Caviar & Chive Cream Cheese

• Roast Pork, Sage & Onion Stuffing, Bramley Apple Sauce

• Chicken and Grain Mustard Mayonnaise, Toasted Almonds

• Cucumber & Dill Crème Fraîche

• Barber’s Cheddar Cheese & Tomato

• Served on a Selection of Gluten-Free Breads

• Spiced Egg Mayonnaise & Mustard Cress

  on Harissa Bread

• Smoked Salmon, Caviar & Chive Cream Cheese

  on Cape Seed Loaf

• Cucumber & Dill Crème Fraîche

  on Norfolk Crunch

• Chicken and Grain Mustard Mayonnaise, Toasted Almonds

  on White Bread

• Barber’s Cheddar Cheese & Plum Tomato

  on Onion Bread

Scones

• Plain | Fruit | Cheese

  Served with Homemade Seasonal Preserve, Lemon Curd & Clotted Cream

• Plain | Fruit | Cheese

  Served with Homemade Seasonal Preserve, Lemon Curd & Clotted Cream

• Plain Scones

  Served with Homemade Seasonal Preserve, Lemon Curd & Clotted Cream

• Fruit Scones

  Served with Homemade Seasonal Preserve, Lemon Curd & Clotted Cream

• Cheese Scones

  Served with Homemade Seasonal Preserve, Lemon Curd & Clotted Cream

• Plain | Fruit | Cheese

  Served with Homemade Seasonal Preserve, Lemon Curd & Clotted Cream

• Plain | Fruit | Cheese

  Served with Homemade Seasonal Preserve, Lemon Curd & Clotted Cream

• Traditional Plain

• Fruit

  Served with Homemade Seasonal Preserve & Clotted Cream

Sweet

• The Crown

  Blackberry Confit, Vanilla Sponge, Opalys White Mousse

• Chocolate Orange Choux

  Caraïbe Crémeux, Rum Crème Patisserie, Orange Compote

• Bergamot and Earl Grey Tart

  Earl Grey Biscuit, Bergamot Cheesecake, Almond Praline

• Fig and Hazelnut Layer Cake

  Purple Fig Marmalade, Hazelnut Jaconde, Dulcey Whipped Ganache

• The Crown

  Blackberry Confit, Vanilla Biscuit, Amatika Mousse

• Chocolate Orange Financier

  Rum Crème Patisserie, Orange Compote

• Bergamot and Earl Grey Tart

  Earl Grey Biscuit, Bergamot Cream, Almond Praline

• Fig and Hazelnut Layer Cake

  Purple Fig Marmalade, Hazelnut Sponge, Minjari Whipped Ganache

• The Crown

  Blackberry Confit, Vanilla Biscuit, Amatika Mousse

• Chocolate Orange Financier

  Rum Crème Patisserie, Orange Compote

• Bergamot and Earl Grey Tart

  Earl Grey Biscuit, Bergamot Cream, Almond Praline

• Fig and Hazelnut Layer Cake

  Purple Fig Marmalade, Hazelnut Sponge, Minjari Whipped Ganache

• The Crown

  Blackberry Confit, Vanilla Sponge, Opalys White Mousse

• Chocolate Orange Choux

  Caraïbe Crémeux, Rum Crème Patisserie, Orange Compote

• Bergamot and Earl Grey Tart

  Earl Grey Biscuit, Bergamot Cheesecake, Almond Praline

• Fig and Hazelnut Layer Cake

  Purple Fig Marmalade, Hazelnut Jaconde, Dulcey Whipped Ganache

• The Crown

  Blackberry Confit, Vanilla Sponge, Opalys White Mousse

• Chocolate Orange Choux

  Caraïbe Crémeux, Crème Patisserie, Orange Compote

• Bergamot and Earl Grey Tart

  Earl Grey Biscuit, Bergamot Cheesecake, Almond Praline

• Fig and Hazelnut Layer Cake

  Purple Fig Marmalade, Hazelnut Jaconde, Dulcey Whipped Ganache

Sandwiches

on White & Brown Bread

• Raspberry Jam & Smooth Peanut Butter

• Smoked Ham & Cheddar Cheese

• Roast Chicken, Pesto Mayonnaise

• Roasted Hazelnut Spread

• Burford Brown Egg Mayonnaise

Pastries

• Toffee Apple Doughnut

  Cinnamon Glaze, Caramelised Apple Cream

• Milk Chocolate Éclair

  Jiavara Crémeux, Chocolate Shortcake Biscuit

• Vanilla Cheesecake

  Blackberry Jelly, Graham Cracker Biscuit