A Regal Affair

I've been to Buckingham Palace a few times, and with each visit, it only made sense to have a refreshing regal break in the cafe. I must say Buckingham Palace sure knows how to lay on a good spread. It is also a rather genteel affair if I might say so. 

The Buckingham Palace Cafe 

Many people are surprised to see a cafe at the back of the Palace. It only opens for 10 weeks of the year. It wasn’t packed as I thought it might be. The first time I went, I was surprised to see how well the cafe is run, with ample staff to assist you. Moreover, the prices are very reasonable given its location. Afternoon tea for two is £50, which is good considering it can be £35 plus per person in certain places. 

Cinderella loves English breakfast tea, and the cafe makes an excellent one. It's a beautiful and light tea. If you like it, you can buy it from the shop. Cinderella also had scones with her tea, which are typically English 😅. The scones came with Jam and clotted cream. Which goes first? Cinderella takes the cream first, then the jam. 

Tea is now a firm 'must-do' when I visit the Palace. Where there is full cafe service, one cannot use the garden, only the designated seating areas. 

To book afternoon tea, you need to book tickets to Buckingham Palace. 

Tickets are £32 if booked online or £35 on the day. https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace

Once In A Lifetime Picnic 

During COVID-19, the Palace was closed. However, Maj opened the Gardens for the paying public. I waited for ages for this one—literally. At one stage, I was number 7580 in the queue to book once-in-a-lifetime Buckingham Palace Garden picnic tickets. 

QE II let people into her Garden AND wait for it...eat a picnic bought from outside. Two thousand people visited every day from July until the end of September. They didn't have the full cafe service, but two makeshift cafe kiosks. 

We were allowed to bring food from the backside, and there was a list of things we couldn’t, including glass bottles, knives or sharp objects. However, we were greeted beautifully at every contact point. 

Maj sure knew how to do customer service very well. After all, it’s Buckingham Palace, and one would expect an impeccable customer experience. We weren’t disappointed. My pals and I had a wonderful afternoon.

I’ve been to the Palace several times before, but never to the Garden, so it was lovely to walk on the grass. It was wonderful to be able to enjoy the Garden at your own pace without feeling claustrophobic. The air was very fresh, considering the Palace is in central London. The gardeners have done a magnificent job maintaining the borders and the lake, giving it a country feel in central London. 

Buckingham Palace 

Originally known as Buckingham House, it was built as a large townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 on a site that had been in private ownership for at least 150 years. King George III acquired it in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte and became known as The Queen's House. 

During the 19th century, it was enlarged by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, who constructed three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace became the London residence of the British Monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.

Parting Comments 

If you fancy popping over to the Palace, it’s not open to the Public all year round, only during the summer months. 

How do you know if King Charles III is at Buckingham Palace? His Standard is raised on top of Buckingham Palace. When he’s not in residence, the Union Jack is presented instead. 

Sadly, I didn't see QEII on my visit, although I did see King Charles III outside the Palace when he was crowned King. Will Charles open up the garden like his mother? I understand there are no plans yet, but if you see the State Apartments, you won't be disappointed with the experience. 

If you enjoyed reading this article and want to support my work, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TabbyLondon

Thank you for your attention.

Best wishes

Tabby