Experience royally-inspired dining
Welcome to The Orangery, the royally-inspired dining experience where history and culinary arts meet.
Join us for an indulgent timeless afternoon tea, where you can find Queen Victoria's famed Victoria sponge, adorned with lashings of cream and jam - the essence of traditional indulgence. Or treat yourself to lunch with a sumptuous selection of signature dishes, each meticulously crafted to honour the rich tapestry of our history. If the weather allows, enjoy the sunny terrace with stunning panoramic views of the palace.
L'Orange Chocolat
Sunday 15 December: 13:00 - 16:00
This December, come and experience our charming festive afternoon tea with a deliciously musical twist! We’re delighted to welcome the internationally renowned cabaret, opera, musical theatre and drag superstar, Le Gateau Chocolat to the Orangery at Kensington Palace.
For one afternoon only, enjoy our new festive afternoon tea menu including turkey coronation, baby spinach, red pepper wrap and Bergamot Victoria as Le Gateau Chocolat serves a deliciously entertaining and specially curated musical performance inspired by the world of young Princess Victoria, when Christmastime was a chance for festivities frivolities.
Don’t miss this delicious drag infused afternoon tea event, with a dash of history, and a dollop of glamour. Find out more about Le'Gateau Chocolat.
Members save 10%*. For member bookings, please contact: theorangery@companyofcooks.com
*Exclusions apply.
Book L'Orange ChocolatL'Orange Chocolat Afternoon Tea
About Le Gateau Chocolat
Voted by Time Out London as one of its Top 10 Cabaret Stars, Le Gateau Chocolat is a one-man, larger-than-life musical phenomenon, wrapped in dazzling sequinned lycra. The six-and-half foot tall, six-inch heeled, wig-clad wonder swings wildly from one end of the musical spectrum to another, from disco, opera, musicals and pop. Le Gateau Chocolat’s work spans drag, cabaret, opera, musical theatre, children’s theatre and live art.
Learn more about Le Gateau Chocolat
© Maxim & Wilde
Opening times
Afternoon tea, breakfast and lunch available.
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Daily: 10:00 - 16:00. Last entry at 15:45.
Walk-ins available.
Historic Royal Palaces members enjoy 10% off. Please show your membership card or confirmation email as proof of your membership. Pre-booking recommended. Please note that the discount will not apply to the products that have been already discounted, for example, the set menu.
The Orangery Christmas Menu will be available from 26 November to 05 January 2025.
Contact us
Email us or call 020 3206 7781
Dietary Requirements
We can further detail on ingredients and provide allergen information on the 14 major allergens so that you can make an informed decision as to whether the food is suitable for you. Members of staff are on hand to answer any questions regarding allergens in our dishes and an allergen list is also available.
Access
The restaurant is fully accessible.
Make a bookingThe Orangery Menu
The Orangery Christmas Menu
Also at Kensington Palace
Victoria's Childhood Christmas
04 December - 05 January 2025: Wednesday - Sunday
Step into the home of Princess Victoria and experience the magical atmosphere of a Regency Christmas, brought back to life at Kensington Palace. Enter a world of flickering candles, theatrical festivities and Yuletide traditions. Take delight in special displays inspired by the Christmases that unfolded in the life and imagination of the future Queen Victoria.
Discover Victoria's Childhood ChristmasWalk through the The Orangery at Kensington Palace, the royally-inspired dining experience where history and culinary arts meet.
Sustainability
At the Orangery we're working to put sustainability at the heart of what we do. We proudly source our ingredients from local artisans, ensuring the freshest produce while supporting our community. From British cheeses to ethically sourced meats, every element of our menu reflects our commitment to responsible dining.
Join us for an unforgettable culinary journey where history, heritage, and gastronomy converge to create an atmosphere of timeless elegance and unparalleled indulgence.
Our local artisan suppliers
From reducing farm surplus with local growers to refusing airfreight for fresh produce, we prioritise sustainability, with an exclusive reliance on only British meats and cheeses and adherence to the Good Fish Guide for responsible seafood sourcing.
We take pride in sourcing ingredients from some of London’s finest local artisan suppliers who share our passion for brilliant food and drink - including Union Coffee, which is roasted in East London, and teas supplied by Hope & Glory, a small British company specialising in premium, organic, loose-leaf teas with strong sustainability credentials.
History of The Orangery
Originally designed by the visionary architect Nicholas Hawksmoor in 1704, and later enhanced by the renowned Sir John Vanbrugh, The Orangery was commissioned by Queen Anne as a lavish greenhouse for her beloved orange trees in winter.
Over the years, it evolved into a magnificent 'summer supper house', hosting extravagant royal gatherings amidst the fragrant blooms of citrus.
Restoration in the 19th century
The Orangery was restored in the late 19th century when much of the panelling was replaced. The building's interior is decorated with panelling, cornice and 24 white Corinthian columns.
Ornate carvings by esteemed sculptor Grinling Gibbons are situated above the arches at either end of the room. Beneath them are niches containing four statues of female deities by Pietro Francavilla, bought by Frederick, Prince of Wales (father of George III) in 1751.
Today, after undergoing restoration since 2017, this architectural gem is reopening its doors as a vibrant restaurant and terrace, ready to welcome its guests to an extraordinary British dining experience.
Members Go Free
10% off at The Orangery
Become a member at Historic Royal Palaces and enjoy a 10% discount at The Orangery, our shops and cafés, and gain access to exclusive events.
Explore what's on
- Things to see
The Sunken Garden
The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace displays elegant floral planting and a statue of Diana, Princess of Wales.
- Viewed from Cradle Walk only
- Open daily, 10:00-16:00.
- Kensington Palace
- Free
- Exhibition
- Things to see
Dress Codes
Discover never-before-seen royal and court fashion treasures in Dress Codes, a new exhibition at Kensington Palace.
- Opens 13 March 2025
- Kensington Palace
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)
- For members
- Events
- Exhibition
Members-Only Preview Day: Dress Codes
Members are invited to an exclusive preview day of Dress Codes, a new exhibition at Kensington Palace that will share never-before-seen royal and court fashion treasures.
- 12 March 2025
- 10:00 - 17:30 (last entry 16:30)
- Kensington Palace
- Free (advance booking required)