Food and drink

Cafés at Hampton Court Palace

The servery in the Tiltyard at Hampton Court Palace

Cafés

Inside the Tiltyard at Hampton Court Palace Whether you want to feast like a king or simply enjoy a light bite, our cafés offer gourmet snacks, fresh fruit, seasonal salads, homemade cakes and lovingly prepared meals at great value for money.

Prices start from 85p for fruit, £1.25 for biscuits, £1.65 for pastries and cakes, £4.95 for children's meals, £2.75 for sandwiches and £9.50 for adult main meals.

By becoming a member of Historic Royal Palaces, you will receive a 10% discount at our restaurants and cafés. Click here for further information >

Tiltyard café

The servery in the Tiltyard at Hampton Court Palace The Tiltyard Café and Deli has been revitalised with a clean, modern look that plays on its Tudor heritage but brings it firmly into the 21st century. Originally used for jousting by Henry VIII, this welcoming, relaxed space close to the Lion’s Gate benefits from stunning views of the scented gardens framed through tall French windows.

Browse and discover the very best British food, from homemade hot dishes to beverages, cakes and organic ice cream – all beautifully showcased in a series of serveries and counters themed to reflect key features of the Tudor Kitchen. Enjoy freshly made sandwiches from the Larder, seasonal salads from the Garden and baked goodies and pastries from the Pantry. Or choose from cooked dishes such as a hearty beef broth from the Coppers, wholesome roasts and pies from the Oven or pan-fried fish from the Stove.

Expect mouth-watering daily specials, making use of great British produce. Remember, Hampton Court is where Henry VIII used to feast, play and entertain, so continue his legacy by indulging your taste buds at the Tiltyard Café and Deli.

Eat well with The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Follow the Very Hungry Caterpillar trail to the Tiltyard for healthy children’s meals. Families will love the great value lunch offer; kids can play pick and mix to create their very own Very Hungry Caterpillar lunch box from a range of nutritious options – sandwiches and savouries, fruit and veg pots, brilliant bone-building snacks, juicy drinks and treats. Alternatively they can opt for a ‘hot meal deal’, choosing a children’s portion from the main menu with a drink and cupcake for dessert. Then families can munch their lunch in the Very Hungry Caterpillar Den which is furnished with books and games to keep the kids happy.

Admission to the palace is not required to visit The Tiltyard.

THE WORLD OF ERIC CARLE™ THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR™ (name and image) Illustrations copyright © 2012 Eric Carle LLC. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is published by Penguin Books Limited.

Something for everyone at The Snug

Situated within the Tiltyard Café, The Snug is a wonderful cosy private dining area perfect for a special function or simply to ensure your whole group can dine together. A selection of meal deals is available - see the 'food and drink for groups' section of the website

We’re open:

28 October 2012 - 24 March 2013
All week 10.00-16.30

25 March - 26 October 2013
All week 10.00-18.00

Wheelchair accessible and accessible toilet available. Click here to find out more about Hampton Court’s accessibility.

The Privy Kitchen

Located in the heart of the Tudor palace, the Privy Kitchen was originally Elizabeth I's private kitchen. Now it provides hot and cold drinks, pastries and home-made cakes, fresh sandwiches, light lunches and hot dishes for visitors to the palace. Children's meals are also available.

We're open

28 October 2012 - 24 March 2013
All week 10.00-16.00

25 March - 26 October 2013
All week 10.00-17.00

New! Fountain Court Café

Fountain Court Discover the new Fountain Court Café which serves elegant summer dishes in the peaceful courtyard of a former private apartment at Hampton Court Palace.

The café resides in what used to be Apartment 15 at the palace. It was one of the smaller apartments but it benefits from a delightful secluded outdoor space. Today, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch in an original Tudor courtyard while gazing across the fountain to one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the country.

The café serves light summer salads such as goat’s cheese and beetroot or poached salmon with peas and asparagus or more hearty wooden platters with hand-carved sirloin of beef or fresh Atlantic prawn and London hot-smoked salmon. There are delicately delicious desserts and classic cakes for those with a sweet tooth.

We're open

24 June - 1 September 2013
All week 10.30-17.15

Please note that pictures are for website purposes only and food available at the cafés will vary.

Further information

Contact us: Call the Catering Manager on 020 3166 6971 or HCP@ampersandcatering.co.uk

Functions and events
Our experienced functions and events caterers have an extensive menu and excellent knowledge of the palaces. Click here to learn more about venues and catering at Hampton Court Palace.

Eating and drinking at the palaces
Where to eat at: Tower of London and Kensington Palace

Why not enjoy a picnic at Hampton Court Palace?

Soak up the splendour and majesty of the palace gardens and lunch al fresco. Why not create your own bespoke picnic by selecting from the Tiltyard Cafe and Deli’s range of fresh sandwiches, seasonal fruit and desserts, or alternatively bring a pre-packed picnic.

Visitors are welcome to picnic on any of the benches in the gardens, or the picnic tables in the 20th Century Garden. Alternatively, bring a rug and picnic on the grass in the Tiltyard and Wilderness Gardens. The only under-cover areas are the two small pavilions by the herbaceous border behind the Tiltyard Garden.

At weekends the Schools’ Lunchroom in the Barrack Block (at the far, eastern, end of the Barrack Block near the Rose Garden) is available as an indoor picnic area. No food or drink may be consumed inside the building. At weekends the Schools’ Lunchroom off Base Court is available as a picnic area inside the palace.

Did you know?

The Tiltyard was built as a large arena for tournaments in 1537 due to the fact that Henry VIII loved sport. The brick tower is all that remains of Henry’s tiltyard. From there and other towers, spectators had wonderful views of both tournaments and the surrounding gardens.

The Privy Kitchen originally contained three fireplaces. This kitchen was built in 1570 as the private kitchen to cook and prepare the finest food for Queen Elizabeth and her closest courtiers.