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Best tea sandwiches in the world is right here! My kids love the scones. The restaurant is so pretty inside and so outside.
When planning my trip to the UK, afternoon tea was at the top of my list. I enjoy it in the States and wanted to have the opportunity to sip and savor in the place it originated. We thought The Orangery would be the ideal spot as it sits right by the Kensington Palace. My group made reservations, which are encouraged. When we arrived there were ample seats both inside and outside. The interior is white, simple, clean, and bright. A bit bleak on the eye. We chose to sit outside to get some sun, people watch, and enjoy being by the gardens. All of the staff took great care of us, checked on my dietary restrictions, came by numerous times, and were kind and courteous. Now for the afternoon tea, we got the Afternoon Tea and the Vegan Afternoon Tea. I am dairy free so the vegan one was for me, but I eat certain meats so we did share and sample each other's. To start, the presentation was fine, nothing spectacular. The portions were plentiful as I could only eat the finger sandwiches and half of one scone, I saved the rest. I only expected more but found all of the sandwiches to be pretty neutral. I wish there were more seasoning, filling, and the bread wasn't as dry as it was. The scone was good with the provided preserves. When I did have the sweets they were all good, the fruit ones being my favorite. For tea, I chose the Organic Darjeeling. It came out to about three cups and was light and delicate. We left full! Kensington Palace is iconic in itself. If you want to pretend you're a royal or are visiting the area, The Orangery is an option. Honestly, I wouldn't come for their tea as I thought it was just okay. I would recommend going somewhere else, but I'm glad to check this off my bucket list!
I really love afternoon tea. I went not long ago in Canada and was excited to do another tea while on my London trip. A friend in our group picked this spot out and we thought it was really lovely that you could do tea basically in Kensington Gardens. The Orangery is a very picturesque and peaceful place to do tea or whatever you want to eat. It's peaceful, classy without being stuffy, and a beautiful setting. Walking through the park to get here adds to the charm. Tea selection is obviously great and everything we had was tasty. I normally would skip/sub out the seafood sandwich, but they kind of rushed us on taking the orders and I didn't get a chance to. However, there was genuinely so much food that I was not able to eat everything anyway, so it didn't matter. My favorites are the traditional cucumber sandwich and the scones. Things went fairly sideways with the service. We really didn't have anyone come back to check on us after we got our food and tea. A couple of us were disappointed and definitely wanted refills on the tea because we were promised that and you really don't get a lot in the teapot. I was recently at the Empress in Victoria and you get a much bigger teapot there! So the service was a big letdown and there really wasn't even anyone to flag down. Then at the end, it pretty much took forever to get them to get the bill right and check us out. That was disappointing, but it did not overshadow the fact that this was a very nice experience with great friends. With better service, this could have been a five star experience. It's not down to a three because the atmosphere, actual tea itself, and vibe are still pretty great. There are a lot of great places to have tea in London so given the service level I don't think I would come back but it's definitely a great spot to try.
Delicious food! I came here for a hot lunch which was one grain, one protein, plus 2 veggie sides. Everything was tasty and well seasoned, not to mention so gorgeous looking! I would definitely come back again. Service was fast. I was there around noon when they just started lunch service. Eating at the Orangery feels so peaceful and nice. The view is great. The bathroom was clean.
What a delightful experience. I scheduled my tea for 11:45 AM and made it my lunch. They allow you an hour and a half time. I did not feel rushed at all. They gave me a very cute two top by a window. I got the traditional Christmas tea with the winter pimms cocktail. The service was friendly and attentive, but not aggressive in anyway. All of the items served were very beautiful and tasted great. The tea is unlimited and you can change varietals. I enjoyed a green tea and a vanilla chai. They have free Wi-Fi. It is a beautiful setting on the grounds of the palace. The palace entry entry is a separate ticket, but if not purchased, you can walk through the gardens complementary. They gave me a cute thank you gift of mincemeat pie. The overall experience was delightful. Enjoy!
This was my first afternoon tea in London - and the bar has been set high! Someone in my party was running a bit late and they were so gracious about it - allowing me to sit at a table and wait for the rest of my party. We had a great seat in front of a large window, and near an open window, so there was a great little breeze. We both indulged in the afternoon tea and loved it. The sandwiches were so light - I particularly loved the cucumber sandwich, and the small coronation chicken wrap. So flavorful! The scones with cream and jam were decadent. And the desserts were a fantastic way to top it off - I particularly like the cream puff with the orange flavor and the decadent chocolate cake. The staff were fantastic - filling up our water, asking if we need more tea or would like to try a new flavor. I had the chai and it was flavorful, without being too spicy.
We booked a tour of Kensington Palace today, at the end of which we were provided with afternoon tea at The Orangery. It's a beautiful location on the grounds of Kensington . On the inside it is well decorated and appointed nicely. The service is excellent and the ambience is pleasantly muted. The tea plates are well stocked with delicious pastries and savories. The standard fare of teas is extensive as well as many other options to imbibe. Overall, it was an excellent experience.
We got the perfect seats! We got really lucky! The pastries, every single pastry, was not good. Left so much to be desired. Especially for the price you pay. Tiers Pastries: 0/5 Scones: 4/5 Sandwiches: 3/5 Tea: 4/5 Food Overall: The sandwiches were pretty tasty for the most part. And the scones were also decent. Service: The service was nice. Ambiance: The ambiance is what you come here for since food seems to be okay and pastries are awful.
For our friend's 60th birthday celebration, we dressed up and came here for Afternoon Tea service. The setting is truly lovely as we settled in for this mid-afternoon feast. The service is impeccable and friendly, they did a wonderful job of guiding us through the options and how the meal would unfold. We started with a round of drinks (Pimm's Cups and sparkling wine) before the actual teapots and towered goodie arrived. The food came prepared on a three-tiered serving platter with finger sandwiches at the bottom (lox, curry chicken, cream cheese with cucumber, etc.), scones with clotted cream and jams in the middle and finally a decadent selection of desserts on the top. Everyone loved sampling the various delicacies and we paired them with a number of different tea options throughout the meal. A very memorable experience for us, and a magical day for our birthday girl!
My friends and I had a reservation for 1:30 for the lunch. We got there on time and were told that we were going to have to wait. The hostess was rude, unfriendly and frankly, did not care that we were waiting. We asked multiple times and saw people walking in and getting tables before us even though we had a reservation. We were seated after 2:00pm and were only given a rude apology. We then tried to order lunch but were told that the lunch closed at 1:30. Our reservation was the last call for lunch food but they didn't let us sit. We told them this and they went to the back to talk; later, they came back and told us that they could make us some food. The Orangery closed at 3pm and we had to leave. The food was okay and the tea was great, but the service ruined it.
A stones throw away from Kensington palace, the Orangery offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. We went on a week day without reservations and were promptly seated by a window overlooking the gardens. We ordered the afternoon tea set for two however, we were only given one. I think there was bit of a language barrier to start. Anyways, everything went well. The service is efficient and the food good. I would highly recommend. The price for each person is £55.
Had a wonderful afternoon tea experience. Service amazing, food good and tea delicious! The decor was understated with calm ambience. Must do when in London!
First trip to London, so had to take part in proper tea of course. We visited the Orangery on what turned out to be a very slow day for them. I know, this is very rare as normally lines stretch out the front door for many hours. We had a great table right by the window and were able to enjoy some quiet time in an otherwise busy trip. My wife, has been looking forward to a proper tea experience and left very satisfied. Service was good, but not great. I had expected over the top excellence but at the end of the day, the food and drinks made up for it.
The Orangery is absolutely gorgeous and such a lovely setting for afternoon tea. We tried both the classic afternoon tea and the vegan option, along with Earl Grey and Darjeeling tea. Everything was beautifully presented, and we enjoyed the selection of sandwiches, scones, and sweets. The service was the only disappointment -- it wasn't as attentive or polished as we expected, especially for the price and setting. Overall, though, it was a good experience in a beautiful location and worth visiting while at Kensington Palace. Four stars, with one lost for the service. read more
My MIL and I had a lovely time having afternoon tea here! We had excellent service and the ambiance was quiet luxury at its finest. The food was delicious and filling enough for us to share. We also got to try three different tea blends (English Breakfast, Darjeeling, and Assam). Our lovely server also graciously took several pics of us inside and outside. I'd never been to Kensington Palace or The Orangery, but, if you're ever in London, I highly recommend you make time to stop by here and venture out on the grounds of Kensington Gardens. read more
02/2026 Just a quick note upfront: there are several places around the UK (and beyond) called "The Orangery" - from restaurants in hotels to other historic venues - but none of them are affiliated with each other. This review is specifically for the historic one at Kensington Palace, the beautiful baroque building in the palace gardens. I recently had the pleasure of enjoying afternoon tea here, and it was everything I hoped for and more - a perfect blend of elegance, history, and warm hospitality. From the moment we arrived, our host Denis made us feel incredibly welcome. First and foremost, I have to say he has a great first name - it's the same as mine (Dennis/Denis), which gave us an instant connection and a good laugh! He was exceptionally accommodating, giving us plenty of choice over where to sit and checking in on us multiple times throughout the afternoon with genuine friendliness and care. His attention to detail really elevated the whole experience. Our waiter, Mustafa, was nothing short of amazing. He handled our dietary needs with ease - accommodating gluten-free and vegetarian options without any fuss - and even split the afternoon tea accordingly so we could both enjoy it fully. The food itself was lovely, but the standout for me was the tea selection. I tried several varieties: peppermint, masala chai, vanilla chai, and classic English breakfast. The staff were happy to bring different teas or extra hot water whenever we asked, and don't forget to add sugar and milk for that perfect personal touch - it made all the difference. The setting is stunning, with the historic Orangery building and views of the Kensington Palace gardens creating a truly relaxing and regal atmosphere. Every moment felt unhurried and enjoyable; it was the ideal way to spend a peaceful afternoon. Huge thanks to Denis and Mustafa for their outstanding service - they made what could have been a standard tea into something truly memorable. Highly recommend booking ahead (it's popular!), and if you get the chance, ask for these two legends. We'll definitely be back! read more
2 months ago
Best tea sandwiches in the world is right here! My kids love the scones. The restaurant is so pretty inside and so outside. read more
When planning my trip to the UK, afternoon tea was at the top of my list. I enjoy it in the States and wanted to have the opportunity to sip and savor in the place it originated. We thought The Orangery would be the ideal spot as it sits right by the Kensington Palace. My group made reservations, which are encouraged. When we arrived there were ample seats both inside and outside. The interior is white, simple, clean, and bright. A bit bleak on the eye. We chose to sit outside to get some sun, people watch, and enjoy being by the gardens. All of the staff took great care of us, checked on my dietary restrictions, came by numerous times, and were kind and courteous. Now for the afternoon tea, we got the Afternoon Tea and the Vegan Afternoon Tea. I am dairy free so the vegan one was for me, but I eat certain meats so we did share and sample each other's. To start, the presentation was fine, nothing spectacular. The portions were plentiful as I could only eat the finger sandwiches and half of one scone, I saved the rest. I only expected more but found all of the sandwiches to be pretty neutral. I wish there were more seasoning, filling, and the bread wasn't as dry as it was. The scone was good with the provided preserves. When I did have the sweets they were all good, the fruit ones being my favorite. For tea, I chose the Organic Darjeeling. It came out to about three cups and was light and delicate. We left full! Kensington Palace is iconic in itself. If you want to pretend you're a royal or are visiting the area, The Orangery is an option. Honestly, I wouldn't come for their tea as I thought it was just okay. I would recommend going somewhere else, but I'm glad to check this off my bucket list! read more
1 year ago
I really love afternoon tea. I went not long ago in Canada and was excited to do another tea while on my London trip. A friend in our group picked this spot out and we thought it was really lovely that you could do tea basically in Kensington Gardens. The Orangery is a very picturesque and peaceful place to do tea or whatever you want to eat. It's peaceful, classy without being stuffy, and a beautiful setting. Walking through the park to get here adds to the charm. Tea selection is obviously great and everything we had was tasty. I normally would skip/sub out the seafood sandwich, but they kind of rushed us on taking the orders and I didn't get a chance to. However, there was genuinely so much food that I was not able to eat everything anyway, so it didn't matter. My favorites are the traditional cucumber sandwich and the scones. Things went fairly sideways with the service. We really didn't have anyone come back to check on us after we got our food and tea. A couple of us were disappointed and definitely wanted refills on the tea because we were promised that and you really don't get a lot in the teapot. I was recently at the Empress in Victoria and you get a much bigger teapot there! So the service was a big letdown and there really wasn't even anyone to flag down. Then at the end, it pretty much took forever to get them to get the bill right and check us out. That was disappointing, but it did not overshadow the fact that this was a very nice experience with great friends. With better service, this could have been a five star experience. It's not down to a three because the atmosphere, actual tea itself, and vibe are still pretty great. There are a lot of great places to have tea in London so given the service level I don't think I would come back but it's definitely a great spot to try. read more
Delicious food! I came here for a hot lunch which was one grain, one protein, plus 2 veggie sides. Everything was tasty and well seasoned, not to mention so gorgeous looking! I would definitely come back again. Service was fast. I was there around noon when they just started lunch service. Eating at the Orangery feels so peaceful and nice. The view is great. The bathroom was clean. read more
What a delightful experience. I scheduled my tea for 11:45 AM and made it my lunch. They allow you an hour and a half time. I did not feel rushed at all. They gave me a very cute two top by a window. I got the traditional Christmas tea with the winter pimms cocktail. The service was friendly and attentive, but not aggressive in anyway. All of the items served were very beautiful and tasted great. The tea is unlimited and you can change varietals. I enjoyed a green tea and a vanilla chai. They have free Wi-Fi. It is a beautiful setting on the grounds of the palace. The palace entry entry is a separate ticket, but if not purchased, you can walk through the gardens complementary. They gave me a cute thank you gift of mincemeat pie. The overall experience was delightful. Enjoy! read more
1 year ago
This was my first afternoon tea in London - and the bar has been set high! Someone in my party was running a bit late and they were so gracious about it - allowing me to sit at a table and wait for the rest of my party. We had a great seat in front of a large window, and near an open window, so there was a great little breeze. We both indulged in the afternoon tea and loved it. The sandwiches were so light - I particularly loved the cucumber sandwich, and the small coronation chicken wrap. So flavorful! The scones with cream and jam were decadent. And the desserts were a fantastic way to top it off - I particularly like the cream puff with the orange flavor and the decadent chocolate cake. The staff were fantastic - filling up our water, asking if we need more tea or would like to try a new flavor. I had the chai and it was flavorful, without being too spicy. read more
We booked a tour of Kensington Palace today, at the end of which we were provided with afternoon tea at The Orangery. It's a beautiful location on the grounds of Kensington . On the inside it is well decorated and appointed nicely. The service is excellent and the ambience is pleasantly muted. The tea plates are well stocked with delicious pastries and savories. The standard fare of teas is extensive as well as many other options to imbibe. Overall, it was an excellent experience. read more
2 years ago
We got the perfect seats! We got really lucky! The pastries, every single pastry, was not good. Left so much to be desired. Especially for the price you pay. Tiers Pastries: 0/5 Scones: 4/5 Sandwiches: 3/5 Tea: 4/5 Food Overall: The sandwiches were pretty tasty for the most part. And the scones were also decent. Service: The service was nice. Ambiance: The ambiance is what you come here for since food seems to be okay and pastries are awful. read more
For our friend's 60th birthday celebration, we dressed up and came here for Afternoon Tea service. The setting is truly lovely as we settled in for this mid-afternoon feast. The service is impeccable and friendly, they did a wonderful job of guiding us through the options and how the meal would unfold. We started with a round of drinks (Pimm's Cups and sparkling wine) before the actual teapots and towered goodie arrived. The food came prepared on a three-tiered serving platter with finger sandwiches at the bottom (lox, curry chicken, cream cheese with cucumber, etc.), scones with clotted cream and jams in the middle and finally a decadent selection of desserts on the top. Everyone loved sampling the various delicacies and we paired them with a number of different tea options throughout the meal. A very memorable experience for us, and a magical day for our birthday girl! read more
My friends and I had a reservation for 1:30 for the lunch. We got there on time and were told that we were going to have to wait. The hostess was rude, unfriendly and frankly, did not care that we were waiting. We asked multiple times and saw people walking in and getting tables before us even though we had a reservation. We were seated after 2:00pm and were only given a rude apology. We then tried to order lunch but were told that the lunch closed at 1:30. Our reservation was the last call for lunch food but they didn't let us sit. We told them this and they went to the back to talk; later, they came back and told us that they could make us some food. The Orangery closed at 3pm and we had to leave. The food was okay and the tea was great, but the service ruined it. read more
A stones throw away from Kensington palace, the Orangery offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. We went on a week day without reservations and were promptly seated by a window overlooking the gardens. We ordered the afternoon tea set for two however, we were only given one. I think there was bit of a language barrier to start. Anyways, everything went well. The service is efficient and the food good. I would highly recommend. The price for each person is £55. read more
10 months ago
Had a wonderful afternoon tea experience. Service amazing, food good and tea delicious! The decor was understated with calm ambience. Must do when in London! read more
First trip to London, so had to take part in proper tea of course. We visited the Orangery on what turned out to be a very slow day for them. I know, this is very rare as normally lines stretch out the front door for many hours. We had a great table right by the window and were able to enjoy some quiet time in an otherwise busy trip. My wife, has been looking forward to a proper tea experience and left very satisfied. Service was good, but not great. I had expected over the top excellence but at the end of the day, the food and drinks made up for it. read more
1 year ago
Great experience here for afternoon tea. Easy to make reservations and they have great hours in case you need to get an early start. In addition to the tea service, they also have breakfast and lunch items. We came on a weekday with a reservation and the space is beautiful. Excellent service and really accommodating for young children. They do have a children's tea which we had our two kids split-plenty of food for young kids. They offer juice, fruit tea, milkshakes and chocolate milk as well. The adult afternoon tea was great too-the savory sandwiches and scones were perfect. The pastries were just okay. The only thing we truly loved was the chocolate cake. Our server was attentive and made sure we had ample water and tea. It's a beautiful space and I would recommend especially for families with younger children. The price point is also fairly reasonable compared to some other places like Fortnum and Harrod's. The location is great because you're in Kensington Gardens, close to Princess Diana playground and Hyde Park. Would recommend! read more
11 months ago
Beautiful experience. Could not have been better...delicious food, lovely room, attentive service. Would return with pleasure! read more
Wonderful place to experience lunch at Kensington castle. We say outdoors and enjoyed the open grounds with our tea. I was never a tea person, but have to admit this experienced opened my mind. Had the Lousong tea and it had dimensions I didn't think tea could have. Smoky, lightly sweet and aromatic. Plus the traditional British experience and great service from the staff. Oh ya, the mushroom ravioli was amazing. The sauteed spinach under the ravioli was a pleasant surprise Highly recommended. read more
2 years ago
Was taking a tour of Kensington palace and decided we had to do a traditional English tea. Luckily the Orangery is right next door. Made a booking very easily through their website for after the tour. Building is beautiful, but sleeker on the inside. Service was attentive. Ordered one afternoon tea plus a spring vegetable soup. Soup was delicious and came with two bread rolls. Tea service came with sandwiches, two scones, pastries and unlimited refill on the tea. I thought it was good quality and the portion was also adequate. Less pricey than some other places in town plus you get that great setting. Recommended. read more
3 months ago
1 year ago
We had a great time! We got two of the regular afternoon teas with the vanilla chai and English breakfast as our teas between our party of four. It was very filling for us! Our server, Ellen was very kind and funny, we love her so much :) I loved the atmosphere in the inside and it wasn't busy for our reservation at 12pm (it did get busier about an hour later). Over all we loved our experience! read more
3 months ago
Beautiful spot in the Kensington Gardens, overseeing the palace. They offer food, drinks, and afternoon tea. I decided to walk in and enjoy some light bites and tease. With relaxing, jazzy music and decor matches the regality connected with the history. The service was impeccable, the servers being very accommodating and offering refills whenever the pot is empty. I got the classic afternoon tea set and switched out one of the tea sandwiches (only thing that can be changed from the tiers). The finger sandwiches were delight. I didn't care too much for the scones or sweet bites. read more
4 months ago
4 months ago
9 months ago
We made reservations online but never received confirmation but they willingly seated us. I was surprised there was no particular dress code. You'll notice some customers are dress smartly and others dressed very causally. Inside seating was a bit noisy and the setting and ambiance seemed very upscale. It was nice outside so we decided to enjoy the outdoors with less noise. The ladies in our party chose High Tea while the men chose other available entrees. The individual sandwiches were very tasty as the desserts. Service was attentive and above exceptional. read more
The atmosphere inside was beautiful to say the least. We unfortunately did not make it in the first time we arrived as they were fully booked. The lovely lady at the front was kind enough to help us with a reservation the next morning at 10AM for High Tea. The food was worth the wait as my wife and I split a tier between the two of us. She had the Earl Gray which was recommended to her by the waitress. I, not being a tea guy, ordered a cappuccino and it was just what the doctor ordered after being jet lagged for a few days. If you are in the area I highly recommend getting dressed up, putting the cellphone away, and enjoying tea with the one you love here. read more
2 years ago
Took afternoon tea here last week. The atmosphere inside was lovely but very crowded. I enjoyed my experience on the outdoor patio that directly faced the gardens. Important to note: this restaurant is directly on the Kensington Palace grounds. If you are American, don't be surprised that there aren't any security checks :). Also, quite a bit of walking to get to it, depending on the entrance you use. The waitress was kind. The sweet treats were my favorite. If you need an actual meal they have a decent menu as well. I'd go back. read more
1 year ago
Very friendly service! Good wait-staff and super courteous and friendly. I ordered the Eggs Benedict minus the muffin, they were able to oblige my dietary restrictions. I also ordered the vanilla chai, and enjoyed the experience immensely. The ambiance is bright and sophisticated! Highly recommend! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Absolutely horrible. I was given a salad with a hair in it then sent it back and was given a salad with a dead bug in it. I was given two cups one with lip stick all over and another with hair. Safe to say will not be back. read more
1 year ago
We LOVED our afternoon tea at Kensington Palace Pavilion! We were two adults and two children, ages 3 and 4. Please don't think you can't enjoy a lovely afternoon tea with small children. It was lovely, the service was perfect, and the children enjoyed their food selections. I happened upon Kensington Palace Pavilion while searching for places near Hyde Park and Kensington Palace where we could eat lunch. I had been looking up afternoon tea options throughout London, and had accepted that we likely wouldn't go to one because they can be so pricey; especially when you're a family and the young children don't necessarily want nor understand the novelty. I felt the price was quite reasonable, so I made a lunchtime reservation for us. We had two umbrella strollers with us, which the staff tucked away in a coat storage for us. I bring this up because traveling with small children can be a challenge. Not all places overseas are ADA friendly, and therefore not always stroller-friendly. It can be hard to find facilities to change diapers in, and hard to feel your children are even welcome in various establishments. This place checked all the family-friendly boxes. Our children had the children's afternoon tea that was smaller portions and had juice instead of tea if we wished. There was a family bathroom with a changing table. And as many already know, the Palace grounds are at Hyde Park and very close to Princess Diana's Memorial Playground. All in all, it was a lovely experience and I recommend considering afternoon tea here, or checking out the breakfast, lunch, or dinner menus. read more
2 years ago
Terrific find for an afternoon tea right outside Kensington Palace , the serivce was fast and tea with scones were very good. The prices are reasonable and it has a great atmosphere inside with a terrific patio area. read more
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