As my elder son, felt hungry, I came up with an unusual question, “Can you eat at Buckingham Palace?” I answer this question from my practical experience. You can drink bottled water. But having a full meal or alcoholic drinks is prohibited inside the Palace. Also, learn the best things to do near Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace is the iconic residence of the British monarchy. It symbolizes the royal tradition, culture, and history. Its grand facade and majestic interiors have fascinated people worldwide for centuries.
Eating at Buckingham Palace as a Guest
Typically, you cannot have a meal or alcoholic drink inside the palace area. But you can drink from bottled water. For the British, Buckingham Palace is nearly a sacred place, and eating inside it as a tourist is unimaginable.
On the other hand, I found that only the invited guests can eat inside the Palace as they are entertained duly. But as a tourist, I won’t have permission to go to those large dining rooms, patios, etc., and have a meal. It’s impossible. Plus, is there a dress code for visiting Buckingham Palace?
Note: You will find toilets and baby-care facilities at the beginning and end of the tour. For safety reasons, they do not let pushchairs into the State Rooms. You must check those in and collect them after finishing your tour.
From My Experience: Can You Eat at Buckingham Palace
I have visited the Palace too well. The first thing to mention is that the whole area is well-guarded, and there are many CC Cameras. These cameras allow the security control room to observe all movements of the tourists.
The security arrangement protects valuable items from damage and theft. Also, another security concern is that no tourist intentionally or unintentionally enters any restricted premises of the Palace.
So, carrying food inside a pocket or a small handbag and eating is impossible. I realize that if you have a sandwich with you after the first bite, the on-floor guards will be notified about your activity. They will ask you to leave the Palace immediately.
Additionally, at the entry point, a strict security check-up takes place. Upon finding your food, the guards will ask you to check in the respective food-filled bag, which you can collect after your Palace tour ends. However, you can carry a water bottle only.
Alternative Places to Eat at Buckingham Palace
If you are hungry after the 2 to 2.5 hours of the walking tour inside the Palace, I suggest you get your meal at a nearby restaurant. Below is a brief list of restaurants within 5-10 minutes of walking distance from the Palace. Also, does the London Underground run all night?
The Game Bird
The Game Bird at The Stafford Hotel is one of the finest restaurants near Buckingham Palace. It offers high-quality modern British food. You can choose from an all-day menu, a market menu, Sunday lunch, and breakfast.
Most amazingly, they have an exclusive separate menu for vegetarians. I enjoyed having the Beer-Battered Haddock with crispy chips and tartare sauce. It was really delicious. However, your attire must incorporate the ambiance and class of the restaurant.
The Goring
The Goring is close at hand to Buckingham Palace, and sometimes even royal family members dine here. This restaurant has had a Michelin star since 2015. The Goring has a strict dress code – no sports clothes or shorts allowed.
I recommend you try the Egg Drumbkilmo and Beef Wellington of this restaurant. These two dishes were Queen’s favorite.
The Curry Room
To taste foods other than British, the Curry Room is a lucrative choice near Buckingham Palace. This restaurant specializes in Indian cuisine. You can choose from lamb curry, butter chicken, beef vindaloo, etc.
For dessert, they serve yummy cheesecakes, ice cream, and special curry desserts. The staff is friendly, and prices are quite fair.
GRIDIRON
It is just a 5-minute walk from the Buckingham Palace. Gridiron is all about grilling. This restaurant follows the “open kitchen” approach. So, you can see the actions inside. I found it quite enjoyable while the restaurant was full. The grill is right there; you can sit at the bar or counter to watch. It’s a unique experience with the smells and sights of smoke and fire.
It has something to offer everyone, whether you are a meat lover, fish lover, or vegetarian. I tried their Barnsley Hillside hogget chop and a flavorful Sirloin steak. I couldn’t finish both, but the taste was unquestionable.
Final Words
So, can you eat at Buckingham Palace? I hope that you have a clear answer. My suggestion is to take a light meal before entering the Palace. You will feel lightheaded, roaming around this huge area with an empty stomach. Also, a heavy stomach may disturb your free movement.
After you end visiting, go to any of the mentioned restaurants above and satisfy your hunger.
