Platinum Jubilee afternoon teas

Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea
A royal-themed afternoon tea at The InterContinental Park Lane

If you’re wondering where to book a Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea, we’ve cherry-picked the best places in London for a regal twist on the classic scones and sandwiches

The Goring

The Goring’s history is inextricably linked to the Royal Family: the only hotel with a Royal Warrant, it was a favourite with royalty attending from all over the world for the Queen’s Coronation in 1953. The Goring’s Jubilee Afternoon Tea has fabulous cakes including a strawberry and raspberry Crown Diplomat Tart and Her Majesty’s Royal Fruit Cake. The hotel has created special cocktails for the occasion too: the Jubilee Fizz, a Champagne cocktail topped with a flourish of gold leaf, and the Coronation Cup, which features sloe gin, pomegranate, plum and Dubonnet – Her Majesty’s favourite aperitif.

Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea
Jubilee scones at The Goring

Cliveden House

Cliveden, a storied five-star hotel in Berkshire, has long been a byword for glamour and luxury and has played host to the great and the good ever since William Waldorf Astor bought the historic house as a country retreat in 1893. Afternoon tea at Cliveden comes with a view of the magnificent Grade I-listed formal gardens: a truly regal setting. The Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea consists of favourite dishes from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland and includes chocolate biscuit cake, said to be the Queen’s favourite.

Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea
Cliveden’s elegant afternoon tea

The InterContinental Park Lane

Her Majesty would do well to pop over the road from Buckingham Palace and take tea in the InterContinental Park Lane, which incidentally stands on the site of the Queen’s childhood home. The Platinum Jubilee tea stars a decadent ‘Queen’s favourite rich chocolate biscuit cake’ alongside other pastries directly influenced by the tastes of the Royal household. Standouts include the royal salmon eclair from the sandwich selection, the warm fluffy scones with Devonshire cream and jam, and the show-stopping Kentish strawberry delice. A taste of Britain’s best in sumptuous surroundings.

Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea
A royal-themed afternoon tea at The InterContinental Park Lane

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate

A mere scone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate has played host to the Queen and other members of the Royal Family. The hotel has gone all-out with its Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea, with intricate creations such as miniature royal carriages encasing delicate pastries. The menu follows milestones in the Queen’s life, with delights including the Bombe Glacée Princess Elizabeth – a twist on the strawberry and chocolate dessert served at the wedding of the Queen and Prince Philip – and Peaches à la Reine Alexandra, a frangipane, peach and apple tart that’s a favourite at royal banquets, topped with an edible replica of the feather brooch that was given to the Queen at her Diamond Jubilee.

Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea
A royal feast at The Taj

Castle Hotel Windsor

A crown-shaped cake stand is the regal centrepiece to the Queen’s Jubilee Afternoon Tea  at the Castle Hotel, which enjoys a royal location just steps from Windsor Castle. Coronation chicken wrap features among the dainty sandwiches, while the sweet treats include Royal Cupcakes, Jubilant Macaroon Sandwiches and Her Majesty’s High Tea Chocolate Cup and Lemon Posset. No afternoon tea is complete without scones, of course. To enjoy them as the Queen does, eat them in the Cornish way: jam first, then cream.

Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea
A crown-shaped cake stand at The Castle Hotel

Rubens at the Palace

You can’t get much closer to the Palace than this: the Palace Lounge at the Rubens at the Palace hotel overlooks the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. The hotel’s Royal Afternoon Tea Menu includes five different types of sandwiches; classic scones as well as honey and white chocolate ones; and an array of pastries, with plenty of traditional, nostalgic flavours – rhubarb & custard, blackberry crumble, lemon meringue – of which the Queen would certainly approve. You can add sparkle with a list of royal-themed cocktails, including ‘The Queen’s Swan’, a blend of gin, dubonnet, banana syrup, tonka beans, lemon juice and Champagne.

Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea
Earl Grey cheesecake and chocolate mousse Crown Jewels at the Rubes at the Palace. Credit: Red Carnation Hotel Collection

Platinum Jubilee souvenirs

If you’re looking for a souvenir of this important royal occasion, why not purchase your own limited edition Platinum Jubilee mug, designed by Susan Rose China? With hand drawn text in two shades of royal purple interwoven with a crown motif, Susan’s artwork has been inspired by the Queen’s life and service. The hand-made china mug, hand-decorated in the Longton district of Stoke-on-Trent, is gift-wrapped in a presentation box.

For something to read with your cuppa, order a copy of BRITAIN’s special Jubilee magazine, Happy & Glorious. Your essential Platinum Jubilee souvenir, it brings Her Majesty’s remarkable story to life through colourful features, lavish images and archive photos.