There’s something to be said about dining with your favourite people; it really does make a dining experience special. On a recent visit to see my sister, we took a trip into London and poshed it up at the Rubens at the Palace, raising a wee cup o tea to Queenie.

REVIEW OF THE ROYAL AFTERNOON TEA , RUBENS AT THE PALACE, LONDON

The Rubens at the Palace is found on Buckingham Palace Road, right opposite the Palace, and the entrance used by The Royals. The hotel rooms overlook the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, so next time it might be worth a wee overnight stay.

The Rubens Hotel is five star luxury, has an AA Rosette awarded restaurant and is home to London’s largest living wall of 10,000 herbaceous plants! It is also home to the Royal Afternoon Tea, one of the best Afternoon Teas in London.

The Palace Lounge is opulent, decorated in deep reds and golds it exudes extravagance. Large windows showcase vistas of the street and the Palace entrance that lead to the Palace Mews and Buckingham Palace itself. It’s an ideal spot to watch the world go by whilst nestled in a comfortable armchair or sofas, drinking it all in.

The pastry kitchen at The Rubens is led by talented pastry chef Sarah Houghting, who produces the freshest pastries and cakes. Sarah recently competed in Bake Off: The Professionals on Channel 4; and the Royal Afternoon Tea mostly certainly showcases her talent.

Tea is served as loose leaf with tea strainer, whilst coffee comes in a large pot to the table. Fine bone china cups and saucers as well as silver cutlery; and uniformed servers fluent in the knowledge of silver service attend your every need; setting this Afternoon Tea apart from the many.

The Afternoon Tea stand is laden with sweet and savoury treats. Top tier and an additional plate of delectable pasties, middle tier of scones with jam and cream and bottom tier of finger sandwiches.

• Beautifully risen scones, plain or honey and white chocolate, clotted cream and strawberry jam are an absolute dream.

  Pastries include :

• THE CROWN- a cinnamon chocolate mousse, brownie biscuit and coconut marshmallow

• FRUIT FROM THE QUEEN’S ORCHARD - A glazed apple-shaped mousse with compote

• ROYAL MACARON - Caramelised apples, coffee whipped ganache

• SEASONAL RUBENS ÉCLAIR - A choice of a seasonal éclair by the pastry chef

  Sandwiches include :

• HAM, CHEESE & TOMATO CHUTNEY on Sundried Tomato Bread

• EGG & WATERCRESS on Spinach Bread

• and we asked for one of the sandwiches on the kiddies menu, the STRAWBERRY JAM AND PEANUT BUTTER, which they happily accommodated for us

I have to say that the macarons were my favourite; the plain scone with loads of jam and cream done it for me and I loved our swop to Strawberry Jam and Peanut Butter for the sammies. (I still have no idea why Cucumber and Cream Cheese is still offered as a sandwich option - who eats these??!)

Afternoon Tea is delightful and it’s fun to sit in a gorgeous lounge and have to raise your pinkie when you drink tea! Highly recommended.

Royal Afternoon Tea is £45pp with a service charge, will bring this to around £50pp. They also cater for Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free and Halal Afternoon Teas, but you must provide them with at least 24 hours notice.

The Rubens Hotel, 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS www.rubenshotel.com

My Spoon Award : Gold 9/10

I booked and paid for this dining experience at Rubens by the Palace. Food and drink were bought for my me and not complimentary in exchange for a review. Views are very much my own.