Inside Buckingham Palace’s Secret Summer Cafe

If we were to think of the most iconic place to enjoy a cup of tea, Buckingham Palace would be up there. And it turns out you can do just that, thanks to the royal residence’s secret cafe which has opened up for the summer season. Curious? Here’s everything you need to know.

How To Visit Buckingham Palace’s Garden Cafe

Buckingham Palace has stood as the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837. Although King Charles doesn’t live there right now – instead, he’s based in Clarence House in Westminster – the building serves as the venue for many royal events, and remains a cornerstone of the British monarchy. Naturally, it holds a fascinating history and people are curious to see its splendour, hence why the Palace opens up certain areas for a behind-the-scenes look.

For the majority of the year, the State Rooms host royal ceremonies and events, as well as being the place where key members of the family entertain guests. But during the summer, they open up to the public. These majestic, chandelier-bedecked rooms are quite the spectacle, featuring artworks from the likes of Van Dyck and Canaletto as well as some of the world’s finest English and French furniture. 

(c) Peter Smith, Royal Collection Trust

What people might not know, though, is that there’s a cafe just beyond the exit, on the Palace’s West Terrace. Offering views of the lawn and the lake, the cafe offers a seasonal menu designed to celebrate British summer produce. Think smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels, coronation chicken rolls, freshly prepared salads, iced coffees, and a dish long associated with London thanks to the Wimbledon tennis championships: strawberries and cream. Guests can also order the Garden Lunch Box, which includes Mediterranean veggies with a black olive and sun-dried tomato quiche.

There are plenty of sweet treats on offer too, including the traditional English dessert Queen of Puddings: lemon and vanilla custard with raspberry jam and burnt meringue, plus lemon drizzle cake and gluten-free chocolate brownies. 

As if that wasn’t enough to feast on, there’s also an ice cream parlour serving plant-based, palm oil-free vanilla soft serve sundaes.

Afternoon Tea At Buckingham Palace

Alternatively, diners can opt for the afternoon tea experience. You’ll be served an array of sweet and savoury treats in keepsake tins, beginning with finger sandwiches like smoked salmon, pulled ham with pickle, and truffled egg mayonnaise. Next up: pastries including Earl Grey scones, apricot Bakewell tart, and Guinness red velvet cake. Pair with tea, coffee, a glass of English sparkling wine, or Buckingham Palace’s special G&T blend. 

A commitment to eco-friendly practices is demonstrated throughout the cafe: coffee is 100 percent Rainforest Alliance Certified, dairy adheres to Red Tractor standards, and the grab-and-go bakery ranges have a carbon count to demonstrate their impact on the environment. 

How To Book

To access the Garden Cafe, you’ll need to book a ticket for the State Rooms, which are open to the public from 10 July – 28 September 2025. Adult tickets cost £32 in advance or £35 on the day, while children’s tickets cost £16 advance and £17.50 on the day.

Tickets include a multimedia guide, plus access to The King’s Tour Artists exhibition in the Palace Ballroom, which features over 70 pieces of artwork from King Charles’ own collection. 

Book at rct.co.uk

Buckingham Palace Cafe Opening Times

The Garden Cafe is open throughout July, August and September. The timings are:

• July and August: 10am – 7pm (takeaway only from 7 – 7.15pm)
• September: 10am – 6pm (takeaway only from 6 – 6.15pm)

The ice cream parlour opening times are:

• July and August: 11am – 7.15pm
• September: 11am – 6.15pm

Find out more about the Buckingham Palace Cafe at rct.uk