From classic experiences to teas with a twist – some even literary themed – these are London’s best afternoon teas to enjoy for Mother’s Day.
There’s nothing more quintessentially British than afternoon tea, and you can count on London to make this experience truly unforgettable. Let us take you on a tour of our favourite afternoon teas for Mother’s Day in the capital this spring.
A Literary Afternoon Tea at JW Marriott Grosvenor House
Indulge in an immersive afternoon tea experience at JW Marriott Grosvenor House. Perfectly timed to celebrate the upcoming film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved classic The Magic Faraway Tree, the seasonal tea brings the story’s enchanted lands to life through an imaginative, story‑driven menu by head pastry chef Anthony Hurst. Delight yourself with intricate pastries alongside traditional finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones. Little ones can join in on the fun with a dedicated children’s afternoon tea, complete with an illustrated menu by series illustrator Mark Beech.
An Art-Deco Afternoon Tea at Pérola
Step into Pérola for sweeping views of Battersea Power Station. This lively art-deco bar, set on the 15th floor of Art’otel, offers a contemporary spin on the classic afternoon tea, with inventive creations inspired by the landmark’s distinctive form. Delicate pastries are paired with savoury treats, freshly baked scones and an assortment of fancy teas. Make a day of it and arrive in style by taking an Uber Boat across the Thames. Afterwards, take a stroll through Battersea Power Station for a spot of retail therapy.
A Dynamic Afternoon Tea at The Langham
The Langham in the heart of London offers an elegant afternoon tea experience. When it launched at the hotel’s Palm Court, it was the first to bring the great Victorian afternoon tea experience out of aristocratic drawing rooms. With the launch of their new cookbook, The Langham Afternoon Tea Cookbook, guests can now make the most of a monthly roll-out of different treats. Delicate pastries, made with intricate precision, are paired with the hotel’s staple fingers sandwiches and, for the main event, clotted cream on warm scones.
A Regal Afternoon Tea at the Ritz London
Afternoon tea is a treasured British pastime, and iconic institutions – such as the Ritz Hotel in London – know how to uphold tradition with finesse: you’re welcomed into a gilded and grandiose space that dates back to 1906. On Mother’s Day, the hotel goes above and beyond with a multi-activity day of events. Start with a morning of flower shopping in South Kensington, where you’ll find shop windows bursting with vibrant floral displays. Then make your way to The Ritz London for a sumptuous teatime feast.
Spa and Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester
Celebrate the remarkable women in your life with an afternoon at The Dorchester. This institution on Park Lane, located just a few steps from Hyde Park, continues to attract royalty and celebrities for its elegance and overt opulence. Indulge in dainty finger sandwiches and delicate pastries in the Promenade, a room of high ceilings and plush velvet sofas. For the ultimate Mother’s Day treat, you can also opt for a pamper day at the hotel’s glamorous spa.
Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at Jang’s
Spring Blooming Afternoon Tea at the Royal Lancaster London
Dial up the decadence with afternoon tea at Royal Lancaster London. Playful yet elegant, the new Spring Blooming Afternoon Tea is a feast of dainty delights and whimsical sweet treats. Savoury bites to start range from roasted maize-fed chicken with bee pollen, paired with tantalising tarragon mayonnaise finger sandwiches. To finish, warm scones are served with clotted cream and homemade preserves. Treat your favourite mother figure to a glass of Taittinger to elevate the occasion. Bespoke tea blends from Camellia’s Tea House are served in elegant tea pots.
Afternoon Tea at Hotel Café Royal
For Mother’s Day, Hotel Café Royal’s seasonal feast begins with a lip-smacking amuse-bouche to set the tone. Sample dinky plates of smoked salmon with chive crème fraîche and caviar, followed by a series of sweet treats.
Beyond Mother’s Day, Hotel Café Royal hosts a separate David Bowie afternoon tea, which is dedicated to the Starman and his legacy. Choose from his favourite herbal tea (green if you must know), or cocktail (an olive martini), then feast on immaculately presented sandwiches and Bowie-themed cakes. Even the scones have a printed picture of the musician’s face. The gilded Café Royal Grill was where Bowie held his famed ‘Last Supper’ after retiring his Ziggy Stardust alter-ego. Ella Alexander
Lead image: Royal Lancaster London.
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