Royal Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at The Palace Hotel

Description

With a proud royal heritage brought to life with warm British hospitality and theatrical dining experiences, The 5-Star Rubens at the Palace has a reputation as one of the best Afternoon Tea venues in London

Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace Hotel offers a quintessentially English experience. 

A short walk from Victoria Station and the Palace Theatre showing Hamilton, the afternoon tea experience at The Rubens is steeped in royal connections and positions guests directly opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. With a rich interior, large windows and 5* service, guests are made to feel like royalty themselves. 

Situated within the hotel, the Royal Afternoon Tea can be accompanied by a fully serviced bar offering Champagne or cocktails. The pastry kitchen at The Rubens is led by the talented pastry chef Sarah Houghting (recently featured on Bake Off: The Professionals) producing the freshest pastries and cakes for guests to enjoy.  The Rubens pays respect to the tradition of Afternoon Tea whilst incorporating fresh twists along the way. The menu features mouth-watering pastries that are influenced by Royal events and dining trends throughout the centuries. 

Kindly note that, unfortunately, we cannot cater to dietaries that require both gluten-free and dairy-free options for the same person.

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Christmas Bookings at The Rubens at the Palace

Bookings are now open to enjoy our Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea available from the 18th of November 2024 through to the 5th of January 2025

Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea: Adults £82 per person/ Children's Afternoon Tea available for £35 per child

Gluten-Free, Halal, Vegan and Vegetarian Menus are readily available.

 

Christmas Day Afternoon Tea is available 12.30 pm - 5 pm

Afternoon Tea will be served with one glass of champagne or two mocktails per person.

£105 per adult / £55 per child under the age of 12

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A live pianist will accompany your Afternoon Tea experience on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve

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Festive Afternoon Tea parties

Interested in a private celebration for Christmas?

Indulge in a Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea hosted in one of the many private rooms at The Rubens at the Palace including the Leopard Room. The events team would be happy to discuss your requirements. Make an enquiry online for one of the team to get in touch. 

Early Bird Offer:

The Rubens are happy to extend two offers: Parties over 8 guests can enjoy a complimentary arrival drink when booking a private room AND every tenth guest in the party can dine free of charge. To claim either or both offers please quote 'DesignMyNight' when booking: check online for the latest availability.
Available for parties that confirm before 22nd November 24

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Royal Afternoon Tea

Available until the 17th November 2024 and again from the 6th of January 2025

Savour this classic Royal Afternoon Tea: a delectable assortment of freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches and delicate pastries. Pastries include The Rubens signature crown, made with vanilla cheesecake, mango, passionfruit curd, and coconut sponge.

  • Guests are welcome to experience the Royal Afternoon Tea experience which can be adapted to meet dietary requirements. Vegetarian, vegan, Halal and gluten-free menus are available and the team would be delighted to discuss any additional requirements prior to your booking.
  • *Please note: bookings for Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal and Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea must be made with at least 24 hrs' notice otherwise The Rubens is unable to accommodate reservations. 
  • Our seating time for afternoon tea is one and a half hours. 

Prices per person: 

Royal Afternoon Tea: £70 (including Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Halal variations)
Champagne Afternoon Tea: £90
Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea: £115
Halal Sparkling Afternoon Tea: £87
Vegan Champagne Afternoon Tea: £90
Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea: £35

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Special Offer: 10% off Afternoon Tea 

Enjoy 10% off your afternoon tea experience - available from 2nd January - 31st March 2025 excluding Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. For parties of up to eight guests and not valid in conjunction with a gift voucher or any other promotion. Excludes our experiences: Golden Tips/ Bespoke Portrait and Gourmet Chef Experience.

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Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea

Price: £115 per person
Enjoy an exceptional Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea in our Palace Lounge, overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace.
Maximum seating time: 90 mins

 

Vegan Afternoon Tea/ Vegan Champagne Afternoon Tea

The Rubens are excited to announce the arrival of a new offering for our Vegan guests: Vegan Royal Afternoon Tea £70 per person/ accompanied by a glass of Lanson Le Green Label £90 per person. Lanson Le Green Label Organic Brut Champagne is the first-ever entirely organic Champagne. Predominantly Pinot Noir, aged on lees for three years, it's pure and fresh with fine notes of citrus and berry fruits weaving through its complex mousse. This is perfectly paired with The Rubens Vegan Royal Afternoon Tea.

 

Halal Afternoon Tea 

The pastry kitchen at The Rubens is led by their talented pastry chef Sarah Houghting who has crafted the Royal Afternoon Tea inspired by Royal events and dining trends throughout the centuries. The team is excited to release a brand new addition to their menu – a Halal Afternoon Tea that has been expertly paired with Wild Idol to offer guests a Sparkling Afternoon Tea experience. This sparkling wine is a refreshing and delicious non-alcoholic drink made from premium quality concentrated grape. £70 per person or £87 per person including the Sparkling option

 

Afternoon Tea Takeaway

Enjoy The Rubens Hotel afternoon tea experience wherever you are in London with a delivery and takeaway option. Perfect for family get-togethers, parties, weekend treats, and birthday or anniversary gifts.

The Rubens Hotel can also prepare afternoon tea for an office location - perfect for team get-togethers. 

Pre-order by 8 pm for collection the next day.

 

Family Friendly

The Rubens also welcomes children and offers a 'Little Prince and Princess Tea' for those under 12. 

The Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea includes bite-size sandwiches, freshly baked scones, pastries, and a choice of milkshake, hot chocolate, tea or soft drink. 

£35 per child

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The Rubens Golden Tips Experience: The ultimate in luxury Afternoon Tea. 

This rare tea is produced in the highlands of Sri Lanka and is fully handcrafted and skillfully handpicked by expert tea pluckers at sunset in Sri Lanka. The velvety, silvery tips are then carefully turned into gold and sundried on a velvet cloth. With white-glove service, this delicate tea is weighed with precision at The Rubens using golden scales with each tip placed into a silver teapot individually using golden tweezers. The tea which is showcased in a locked mahogany box lined with velvet is specially infused to produce an extraordinary liquor and a smooth, light and mellow texture with fruity notes.

This truly unique experience includes a Royal Afternoon Tea Stand for two people and a bottle of Lanson Champagne (750ml) which will be sabred at your table.

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A Special Occasion? Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Rubens 

The Rubens Hotel are pleased to welcome groups of between 8 to 120 guests to enjoy an Afternoon Tea experience; an ideal way to celebrate a birthday, hen party, baby shower or investiture. A variety of menus are on offer including Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Halal alongside a Little Prince and Princess Tea for our younger guests. Drink packages can also be organised along with any decorations you may require.

Groups of up to 8 guests can dine in the Palace Lounge (subject to availability), alternatively, The Rubens Hotel can offer several private rooms including the English Grill which can accommodate up to 120 people. The experienced events team would be happy to discuss your requirements to make this a memorable occasion.

Prices from £70 per person

 

BABY SHOWER AFTERNOON TEA
Celebrate your baby shower at The Rubens with a unique and memorable Baby Shower Afternoon Tea. Share this joyous occasion with your loved ones and enjoy baby shower-themed biscuits alongside our classic Royal Afternoon Tea offering.

 

BRIDAL AFTERNOON TEA
Celebrate your upcoming wedding with an enchanting Bridal Afternoon Tea. Delight in the elegant atmosphere as you savour bridal-themed delicacies, creating unforgettable memories as you toast to the bride-to-be amidst the refined ambience of our distinguished venue.

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Experiences at The Rubens at the Palace

*New* Gourmet Chef Experience: The Rubens Pastry Kitchen

Enjoy an interactive pastry experience curated by Chef Sarah Houghting at The Rubens. Alongside one of the chefs, you’ll learn to create pastry delicacies while picking up invaluable tips and tricks. Choose a morning session, followed by a Royal Afternoon Tea in The Palace Lounge, or an afternoon session, culminating in an evening meal in The English Grill.

Time: Start at either 10 am or 2 pm; each session lasts approximately four hours

Price: £1,200 for two people

Enquiries are open

Gift Vouchers are also available for this experience

 

Bespoke Portrait Experience at The Rubens 
The Rubens are delighted to introduce Shelley Levy, also known as ShelleyTheArtist, as Resident Artist. Indulge in an unforgettable Afternoon Tea experience as you pose for a captivating portrait. This unique opportunity offers our guests bespoke personal or family portraits, crafting a truly unique memento. By appointment only.

Price: Two people £350, three people £450, four people £550, or two people with traditional Afternoon Tea £520

Afternoon Tea with Shelley is available throughout the week by appointment only and is subject to availability.

 

What's on

Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea
There is no better place to enjoy this traditional English occasion than sitting back in the Palace Lounge overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham…

Thu, 7th Mar 2024 - Sat, 30th Nov 2024

More info
Halal Sparkling Afternoon Tea
Halal Sparkling Afternoon Tea  Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace features mouth-watering pastries that are inspired by Her Majesty the…

Thu, 7th Mar 2024 - Sun, 5th Jan 2025

More info
Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea
Celebrate the festive season with a Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea Situated in the heart of Victoria, opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham…

Mon, 18th Nov 2024 - Sun, 5th Jan 2025

More info
Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea
There is no better place to enjoy this traditional English occasion than sitting back in the Palace Lounge overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham…

Mon, 18th Nov 2024 - Sun, 4th Jan 2026

More info
Halal Sparkling Afternoon Tea
Halal Sparkling Afternoon Tea  Indulge in the epitome of a quintessential English Afternoon Tea experience at The Rubens at the Palacewhere…

Mon, 18th Nov 2024 - Sun, 4th Jan 2026

More info
Mother's Day Royal Afternoon Tea
Mother's Day Royal Afternoon Tea Bookings are now open Available Sunday 30th March 2025 Celebrate Mother's Day in London's most iconic royal…

Sun, 30th Mar 2025 @ 12:00 - 18:00

More info

Offers

Offer Availability
Christmas Early Bird Offer
The Rubens are happy to extend two offers for guests to enjoy: Parties over 8 guests can enjoy a complimentary arrival drink when booking a private room AND every tenth guest in the party can dine free of charge. To claim either or both offers please quote ''Early Bird Offer' when booking: check online for the latest availability. Reservations must be confirmed by 22nd November 2024 to qualify.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10% off Afternoon Tea
Enjoy 10% off your afternoon tea experience - available from 2nd January - 31st March excluding Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. For parties of up to eight guests and not valid in conjunction with a gift voucher or any other promotion. Excludes our experiences: Golden Tips/ Bespoke Portrait and Gourmet Chef Experience.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10% off Afternoon Tea
Enjoy 10% off your afternoon tea experience - available from 2nd January - 31st March excluding Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. For parties of up to eight guests and not valid in conjunction with a gift voucher or any other promotion. Excludes our experiences: Golden Tips/ Bespoke Portrait and Gourmet Chef Experience.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Vouchers

Champagne Royal Afternoon Tea For Two
On sale until 31st Dec 2024
Experience
Monetary Gift Voucher
£10 - £500
Royal Afternoon Tea For Two
On sale until 31st Dec 2024
Experience
Sparkling Halal Royal Afternoon Tea for one person
On sale until 31st Dec 2024
Experience
Vegan Champagne Royal Afternoon Tea for one person
On sale until 31st Dec 2024
Experience
Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea for one person
On sale until 31st Dec 2024
Experience
Princes & Princess Royal Afternoon Tea
On sale until 31st Dec 2024
Experience

Info

  • Happily Affordable ££
  • Taking Bookings
  • Wheelchair Access, Disabled Toilets

Hours

Day Open Close Notes
Monday 10:00 19:00 Last dining time is 5pm
Tuesday 10:00 19:00 Last dining time is 5pm
Wednesday 10:00 19:00 Last dining time is 5pm
Thursday 10:00 19:00 Last dining time is 5pm
Friday 10:00 19:00 Last dining time is 5pm
Saturday 10:00 19:30 Last dining time is 6pm
Sunday 10:00 19:00 Last dining time is 5pm

Location

Address

Royal Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at The Palace Hotel, 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS

Area

Westminster

Nearest Station

Victoria (Tube)

Menus

  • Cuisine

    This venue serves Afternoon Tea food.

Private Hire

Name Type Capacity
Seated
Capacity
Standing
Cost Min spend
Midweek*
Min spend
Weekend*
The Leopard Room Private Room 29 40 - £1500 -£8.000 £1500 - £8.000

Set in the heart of London Victoria, just opposite Buckingham Palace's Royal Mews, The Leopard Room boasts its own private entrance and facilities, bringing a new level of sophistication and elegance to your next event. The Leopard Room offers an indulgent experience, serving mouthwatering canapés, finger foods, and a diverse selection of creative cocktails and beverages. It's also possible to elevate your occasion with optional live music, performed on a permanent stage.

Whether it's a birthday party, corporate function, private meeting, anniversary celebration, or engagement party, The Leopard Room provides the ideal setting for a memorable event. With a maximum standing capacity of 40 people or 29 people seated, The Leopard Room offers an intimate yet vibrant space for your private event, ensuring an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

AFTERNOON TEA PARTIES
The Rubens are excited to welcome guests celebrating a baby shower, bridal shower, or any special occasion to the Leopard Room. Their dedicated events team will be on hand to help organise every detail.

 

Da Vinci Private Room 10 20 - £850 - £5.000 £850 - £5.000

The Da Vinci room is situated on the ground floor with simulated lighting as well as natural lighting and is fully air-conditioned. Décor is of a traditional style. 

Event facilities include:
A dedicated coordinator expertly attends to every detail
Function rooms with natural daylight
Private dining and banqueting facilities

Private Hire fees: 

£150 for one and a half hours
Subsequent hours can be added for £85 per hour
No minimum - maximum 70 people seated at round tables

DINING OPTIONS: Royal Afternoon Tea (£70) (From time to time seasonal menus and respective prices may apply)

Dietary variations of the menus are available to include Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Halal Please make the team aware at the point of booking

Children’s Afternoon Teas are also available (£35 for those under 12 years)

ADDITIONAL EXTRAS:

Expression of Interest: Pre-ordering drinks. Price upon discussion

Our experienced Events Team would be happy to organise pre-ordering of drinks including Champagne, Prosecco and cocktails Non-alcoholic drinks can also be organised

Expression of Interest: Decorations. Guests are welcome to bring decorations for the room

Alternatively, our experienced Events Team can assist with:

Flower requests

Personalised celebration cake

Uplighters

Organising supply of music

 

Expression of Interest: Sabrage (£130)

Allow our expert sommelier to teach you the skilful art of Sabrage using a sabre to open a bottle of Champagne. Includes one bottle of Champagne.

Rembrandt Suite Private Room 36 80 - £850 - £8,000 £850 - £8.000

The Rembrandt Suite offers abundant natural daylight and a fireplace. It is fully air-conditioned and has adjustable lighting. The suite is situated on the ground floor of the hotel and is ideal for parties up to 80 guests.

Event facilities include:

  • A dedicated co-ordinator expertly attends to every detail
  • Full secretarial support
  • Function rooms with natural daylight

 

Private Hire fees: 

£150 for one and a half hours
Subsequent hours can be added for £85 per hour
No minimum - maximum 70 people seated at round tables

DINING OPTIONS: Royal Afternoon Tea (£70) (From time to time seasonal menus and respective prices may apply)

Dietary variations of the menus are available to include Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Halal Please make the team aware at the point of booking

Children’s Afternoon Teas are also available (£35 for those under 12 years)

ADDITIONAL EXTRAS:

Expression of Interest: Pre-ordering drinks. Price upon discussion

Our experienced Events Team would be happy to organise pre-ordering of drinks including Champagne, Prosecco and cocktails Non-alcoholic drinks can also be organised

Expression of Interest: Decorations. Guests are welcome to bring decorations for the room

Alternatively, our experienced Events Team can assist with:

Flower requests

Personalised celebration cake

Uplighters

Organising supply of music

 

Expression of Interest: Sabrage (£130)

Allow our expert sommelier to teach you the skilful art of Sabrage using a sabre to open a bottle of Champagne. Includes one bottle of Champagne.

The Rubens Room Private Room 10 20 - £850 - £5,000 £850 - £5,000

The Rubens Room is situated on the ground floor of the hotel with simulated lighting as well as natural lighting and is fully air-conditioned. Décor is of a traditional style. 

Event facilities include:
A dedicated co-ordinator expertly attends to every detail
Function rooms with natural daylight

Private Hire fees: 

£150 for one and a half hours
Subsequent hours can be added for £85 per hour
No minimum - maximum 70 people seated at round tables

DINING OPTIONS: Royal Afternoon Tea (£70) (From time to time seasonal menus and respective prices may apply)

Dietary variations of the menus are available to include Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Halal Please make the team aware at the point of booking

Children’s Afternoon Teas are also available (£35 for those under 12 years)

ADDITIONAL EXTRAS:

Expression of Interest: Pre-ordering drinks. Price upon discussion

Our experienced Events Team would be happy to organise pre-ordering of drinks including Champagne, Prosecco and cocktails Non-alcoholic drinks can also be organised

Expression of Interest: Decorations. Guests are welcome to bring decorations for the room

Alternatively, our experienced Events Team can assist with:

Flower requests

Personalised celebration cake

Uplighters

Organising supply of music

 

Expression of Interest: Sabrage (£130)

Allow our expert sommelier to teach you the skilful art of Sabrage using a sabre to open a bottle of Champagne. Includes one bottle of Champagne.

The Rubens Suite Private Room 20 50 - £850 - £8,000 £850 - £8.000

The Rubens Suite is situated on the ground floor with simulated lighting and is fully air-conditioned. It has an extra exit door through to the English Grill. Décor is of a traditional style. Maximum of 60 guests based on reception style layout.

Private Hire fees: 

£150 for one and a half hours
Subsequent hours can be added for £85 per hour
No minimum - maximum 70 people seated at round tables

DINING OPTIONS: Royal Afternoon Tea (£70) (From time to time seasonal menus and respective prices may apply)

Dietary variations of the menus are available to include Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Halal Please make the team aware at the point of booking

Children’s Afternoon Teas are also available (£35 for those under 12 years)

ADDITIONAL EXTRAS:

Expression of Interest: Pre-ordering drinks. Price upon discussion

Our experienced Events Team would be happy to organise pre-ordering of drinks including Champagne, Prosecco and cocktails Non-alcoholic drinks can also be organised

Expression of Interest: Decorations. Guests are welcome to bring decorations for the room

Alternatively, our experienced Events Team can assist with:

Flower requests

Personalised celebration cake

Uplighters

Organising supply of music

 

Expression of Interest: Sabrage (£130)

Allow our expert sommelier to teach you the skilful art of Sabrage using a sabre to open a bottle of Champagne. Includes one bottle of Champagne.

Van Dyke Room Private Room 27 60 - £850 - £8,000 £850 - £8.000

The Van Dyke Room is situated on the ground floor of the hotel with simulated lighting and is fully air-conditioned. Décor is of a traditional style.

Private Hire fees: 

£150 for one and a half hours
Subsequent hours can be added for £85 per hour
No minimum - maximum 70 people seated at round tables

DINING OPTIONS: Royal Afternoon Tea (£70) (From time to time seasonal menus and respective prices may apply)

Dietary variations of the menus are available to include Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Halal Please make the team aware at the point of booking

Children’s Afternoon Teas are also available (£35 for those under 12 years)

ADDITIONAL EXTRAS:

Expression of Interest: Pre-ordering drinks. Price upon discussion

Our experienced Events Team would be happy to organise pre-ordering of drinks including Champagne, Prosecco and cocktails Non-alcoholic drinks can also be organised

Expression of Interest: Decorations. Guests are welcome to bring decorations for the room

Alternatively, our experienced Events Team can assist with:

Flower requests

Personalised celebration cake

Uplighters

Organising supply of music

 

Expression of Interest: Sabrage (£130)

Allow our expert sommelier to teach you the skilful art of Sabrage using a sabre to open a bottle of Champagne. Includes one bottle of Champagne.

The Van Dyke Suite Private Room 70 150 - £850 - £8,000 £850 - £8,000

The Van Dyke Suite is situated on the ground floor of the hotel with simulated lighting and is fully air-conditioned. Décor is of a traditional style. The Van Dyke Suite can accommodate up to 130 guests in a reception style layout. The Suite is a combination of the Van Dyke Room, the Buckingham Room and the Van Gogh Room so it can be adjusted into smaller rooms if required.

Private Hire fees: 

£150 for one and a half hours
Subsequent hours can be added for £85 per hour
No minimum - maximum 70 people seated at round tables

DINING OPTIONS: Royal Afternoon Tea (£70) (From time to time seasonal menus and respective prices may apply)

Dietary variations of the menus are available to include Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Halal Please make the team aware at the point of booking

Children’s Afternoon Teas are also available (£35 for those under 12 years)

ADDITIONAL EXTRAS:

Expression of Interest: Pre-ordering drinks. Price upon discussion

Our experienced Events Team would be happy to organise pre-ordering of drinks including Champagne, Prosecco and cocktails Non-alcoholic drinks can also be organised

Expression of Interest: Decorations. Guests are welcome to bring decorations for the room

Alternatively, our experienced Events Team can assist with:

Flower requests

Personalised celebration cake

Uplighters

Organising supply of music

 

Expression of Interest: Sabrage (£130)

Allow our expert sommelier to teach you the skilful art of Sabrage using a sabre to open a bottle of Champagne. Includes one bottle of Champagne.

The Van Gogh Room Private Room 18 60 - £850 - £8,000 £850 - £8.000

The Van Gogh Room is situated on the ground floor of the hotel with simulated lighting and is fully air-conditioned. Décor is of a traditional style.  The Van Gogh Room can accommodate a maximum of 60 guests in a reception-style layout.

Private Hire fees: 

£150 for one and a half hours
Subsequent hours can be added for £85 per hour
No minimum - maximum 70 people seated at round tables

DINING OPTIONS: Royal Afternoon Tea (£70) (From time to time seasonal menus and respective prices may apply)

Dietary variations of the menus are available to include Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Halal Please make the team aware at the point of booking

Children’s Afternoon Teas are also available (£35 for those under 12 years)

ADDITIONAL EXTRAS:

Expression of Interest: Pre-ordering drinks. Price upon discussion

Our experienced Events Team would be happy to organise pre-ordering of drinks including Champagne, Prosecco and cocktails Non-alcoholic drinks can also be organised

Expression of Interest: Decorations. Guests are welcome to bring decorations for the room

Alternatively, our experienced Events Team can assist with:

Flower requests

Personalised celebration cake

Uplighters

Organising supply of music

 

Expression of Interest: Sabrage (£130)

Allow our expert sommelier to teach you the skilful art of Sabrage using a sabre to open a bottle of Champagne. Includes one bottle of Champagne.

Prices are available on request.

* The minimum spends are a guideline only and vary according to the day and time of the year.

Enquire about private hire

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