Where to celebrate the coronation in London: The best restaurants, afternoon teas and special menus

On Saturday 6 May 2023, the nation will tune into one of the most anticipated events of the year – neigh, the century – when Charles III will officially be crowned King of England. Although the ceremony itself is set to take place on Saturday, the event is part of a three-day celebration, with millions of people expected to participate over the long weekend.

Now, coronations aren’t something that come around every day. The last time Britian held a coronation ceremony was 70 years ago when the Queen was crowned on 2 June 1953. Having said that, the coronation of King Charles III is planned to be a ‘slimmed-down’ affair in comparison to Queen Elizabeth’s, considering the impact of the current cost-of-living crisis on individuals across the UK. In real terms, this translates to a shorter ceremony, a smaller guest list and less money spent on general proceedings.

Still, it’s set to be a historic moment in British history, and you can bet your bottom dollar that London will be joining in with celebrations in any way it can. Core events include the coronation procession on 6 May, in which King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will make their way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in a golden coach. While on Sunday 7 May, a coronation concert will be held at Windsor Castle, bringing together a spectrum of live entertainment, from musicians and comedians to dancers. In between all that, we expect there to be a street party or two taking place across the country.

Pubs, bars and clubs have also been given the green light to extend their licensing hours over the bank holiday weekend. This means that venues are allowed to stay open for an extra two hours, closing at 1am instead of the usual 11pm. 

Of course, you know that London’s restaurants will be whipping up some stellar food and drink for the weekend and beyond, too. We’ve rounded up the restaurants in London serving up special menus for the coronation, from limited-edition dishes to elegant afternoon teas. Discover everything you need to know about the coronation below, where we answer all your FAQs, then check out the best places to celebrate in London with some epic food and drink.

When is King Charles III’s coronation?

The Coronation of King Charles III, and his wife and Queen Consort Camilla, is taking place on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey.

Where will the coronation take place?

The Coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey in London. Unlike the 8,000 who were invited to celebrate the Queen’s coronation in 1953, there is expected to be 2,000 guests in attendance at the ceremony of King Charles III. Charles is reported to have requested a ‘slimmed-down’ coronation considering the current economic crisis and the impact it's having on individuals in the UK. A spokesperson said that the event ‘will be shorter, smaller and less expensive’.

When is the coronation bank holiday?

Yes, the nation is getting an extra bank holiday this year which will fall on Monday 8 May 2023.

What will happen at the coronation?

There are two coronation processions set to take place on Saturday 6 May, in which King Charles II and the Queen Consort are to travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the Gold State Coach. This is officially called ‘The King’s Procession’. The route for the procession has yet to be finalised, but Parliament Square, Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade and The Mall are some of the landmarks expected to be included.

The coronation ceremony will then last just over an hour, foregoing certain rituals to keep timings tight, while retaining others, such as the anointing of the monarch. The proceedings will be carried out by the Archbishop of Canterbury and are expected to be more religiously and culturally diverse with a multi-faith congregation composed of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist figures.

Best coronation restaurants in London: Special menus

We wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t bring you all the insider foodie knowledge for this momentous event. Eat and drink like a King with these killer coronation menus.

Cinnamon Kitchen, Battersea

What: This coronation weekend visit Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea located inside the newly refurbished buzzing power station to enjoy the special creations of chef Vivek Singh. The £15 royal duo consists of a King Charles Bangla scotch egg (a delightfully jammy soft-boiled egg encased in a mix of spiced mutton and Bengali vegetables) coupled with ‘A Toast’ cocktail featuring rapsberry gin, Campari, aperitif and Champagne adorned with 24-karat gold leaf. Elsewhere on the modern-Indian menu find enticing starters such as jackfruit and lotus root kofta and classic mains like Kashmiri lamb shank rogan josh. 
When: 1-13 May
Where: 4 Arches Lane, SW11 8AB
Book now: Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea

1 Lombard Street, City of London

What: Available throughout the first week of May, chef James Holden at 1 Lombard Street has designed a celebratory menu championing the best of British produce. Guests can select three courses with dishes including coronation chicken to start, slow-cooked lamb shoulder shepherd's pie with cheddar mash for main course, and scones with jam and clotted cream to finish. Plus, on Saturday 6 May, it will be showing the ceremony on large screens with live entertainment throughout the day.
When: 1-6 May
Where: 1 Lombard Street, EC3V 9AA
Book now: 1 Lombard Street

Shoryu, Various London locations 

What: It might not be traditional, but who really cares when you could be enjoying coronation chicken karaage buns, right? That's right, the ramen experts at Shoryu are offering a tasty set menu from 18 April which includes three courses and a royal drink for only £27. Enjoy its ganso tonkotsu with a side of those karaage buns, followed by Japanese matcha ice cream for dessert. To drink, there are multiple cocktails to choose from, including a punchy Royal Kyuri Saketini. 
When: From 18 April
Where: All Shoryu locations
Book now: Shoryu

The Stablehand, Lancaster Gate

What: This proper British pub just a stone's throw away from Hyde Park has concocted a special cocktail for the coronation. It's called The King Charles and is made using only English ingredients (including the vodka), then served in a Pimms-style highball glass. Nip in to give it a try, and while you're there, you may as well order something off its classically British menu. The steak and kidney pie is a winner! 
When: 5-7 May
Where: 4 Bathurst Street, Lancaster Gate, W2 2SD
Book now: The Stablehand

Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich

What: Channeling all the patriotic vibes, Trafalgar Tavern is dressing up in preparation for the coronation of the King and Queen Consort in May. Union Jack bunting will be hung up and displayed both inside and outside the historic pub, creating quite the spectacle. For those who want to watch the proceedings, screens will be live streaming the event inside, with punters able to rest their pints on specially created coronation coasters. Keep your eyes peeled for limited edition food and drink items on the menu, too.
When: Throughout May
Where: Park Row, SE10 9NW
Book now: Trafalgar Tavern

English Grill at The Rubens at The Palace, Victoria

What: There’s plenty going on at the English Grill at The Rubens at The Palace hotel in May. Celebrate in gastronomic style with a special seven-course dinner, accompanied by Lanson and Confrerie du Sabrage d'Or and music from The Rubens Trio live band. The meal kicks off with Champagne and canapes before moving onto the likes of truffle cheesy baked eggs with smoked exmoor caviar, and herb crusted rack of lamb with Jersey Royals, pea puree, spring baby vegetables and a rosemary jus. Or, for something a little more low key, you can book into the King’s Coronation Street Party afternoon tea to enjoy a selection of British treats - think cucumber and apple sandwiches and a toasted lemon meringue cupcake - with live music.
When: Available 5-12 May
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS
Book now: The English Grill at The Rubens at the Palace

Cheneston’s at The Milestone, Kensington

What: This fine dining British restaurant at The Milestone hotel in the Royal Borough of Kensington is serving a nine-course tasting menu for one week only in May. Diners can expect a line-up of perfectly executed dishes from executive chef Daniel Putz made with the finest British ingredients. Think homemade treacle soda bread with marmite butter, smoked coronation chicken croquettes with spiced apricot ketchup, and roasted canon of Cornish spring lamb with fondant potato, wild garlic, broad beans, peas, mints and lamb jus.  Elevate the experience with an optional wine pairing if you like. The nine-course tasting menu is available for £125 per person.
When: Available 5-12 May
Where: 1 Kensington Court, W8 5DL
Book now: Cheneston’s

Best coronation afternooon teas in London

What better way to celebrate the coronation of the King than with this staunchly British tradition? Check out the best themed afternoon teas coming to the capital in May.

Afternoon tea at The Royal Lancaster, Bayswater

What: Enjoying a prime location just moments away from Hyde Park, why not round-off a brisk walk in its beautiful gardens with The Royal Lancaster's coronation afternoon tea? The affair starts with classic finger sandwiches, such as roast beef with horseradish cream on granary bread, followed by freshly baked scones and decadent cakes including a damson plum mousse - one of the king's favourite fruits! Add a glass of English sparkling wine to make it extra special.
When: Available 28 April - 9 May
Where: Lancaster Terrace, Bayswater, W2 2TY
Book now: The Royal Lancaster

Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, St James's

What: Dine like royalty in Fortnum & Mason's Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon with its special coronation offering. Launching early April, the elegant menu starts with delicate finger sandwiches such as Cotswold legbar egg mayonnaise, cucumber with minted pea and horseradish, and salt beef with kohlrabi and tarragon sour cream dressing, followed by freshly baked scones served with Somerset clotted cream, lemon curd and strawberry preserve. A host of savoury pastries have been inspired by King Charles' most loved dishes - think Welsh lamb scotch egg with wild herb aioli, and native coronation lobster. Finally, on the sweet front, guests can indulge in artistic creations including a vanilla mousse lollipop and a crown sable biscuit. Vegan and vegetarian menus are also available. 
When: Available early April, seven days a week
Where: 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER
Book now: Fortnum & Mason

Afternoon tea at Grosvenor House, Mayfair

What: This Mayfair hotel has had a lot to do with royalty over the years, including being the location of King George VI’s Coronation Ball when he was crowned in 1937. Continuing its legacy, this afternoon tea is every bit as splendid as you can imagine, with treats made using the finest British produce and hosted in its stately Park Room. Guests begin with a palate cleansing granita made with Ridgeview English Sparkling Wine, followed by five limited-edition pastries inspired by the countries that make up the UK. Think Journey to the Highlands which sees a mousse made with honey from foraged Scottish heather, or Across the Irish Sea, a traditional Irish apple cake with layers of chilled English custard and organic Bramley apple compote. Classic savouries, scones with cream and jam and a selection of fine teas complete the experience.
When: Available 4 April – 10 May
Where: Park Lane, W1K 7TN
Book now: Grosvenor House

Afternoon tea at Cellarium, Westminster

What: This relaxed offering at Cellarium Café & Terrace in Westminster Abbey focuses on using fresh and seasonal British ingredients to create its sweet and savoury treats. Set over two floors, guests are invited to soak up the atmosphere of its historic location and arrive through the Abbey’s stunning medieval cloisters. Once seated, they’ll be treated to dainty sandwiches filled with the likes of smoked chicken, apple, celeriac slaw and deep-fried capers, followed by creative cakes, such as carrot and British quinoa cake and sweet pea and lemon cake. Elsewhere, Earl Grey tea scones with Tiptree jam and Cornish clotted cream put a twist on the fundamental elements. Better still, the whole affair costs just £32.50 per person, or £42.50 with a glass of Ridgeview English sparkling wine.
When: Available 23 March – 31 July
Where: 20 Dean's Yard, SW1P 3PA
Book now: Cellarium

Afternoon tea at Biscuiteers, Notting Hill and Belgravia

What: Head down to one of Biscuiteers’ Biscuit Boutique and Icing Cafes to experience this quintessentially British coronation afternoon tea. Proceedings include finger sandwiches filled with ham and English mustard or cheese and onion marmalade, followed by a mini Victoria sponge, yuzu and lemon meringue tart, and a white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake. Not forgetting its coronation themed iced biscuits to round off the experience. The coronation afternoon tea at Biscuiteers starts at £45 per person, with the option to add a DIY icing experience to your booking if you fancy.
When: Available from 20 March
Where: 194 Kensington Park Road, W11 2ES; 14-15 Eccleston Yards, SW1W 9AZ
Book now: Biscuiteers

Prefer to watch the celebrations from above? Check out the best rooftop bars in London and get your bookings in now.