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Tradition, elegance, style, luxury and relaxation are all synonymous with the very English tradition of afternoon tea - as are (delicate) piles of sandwiches, cakes, scones, petit fours, jam and lashings of cream. Yum.
 What better way to treat your mum this Mother's Day than to invite her to afternoon tea at one of London's grandest hotels? From the timeless elegance of Claridge's to the contemporary twist offered by the Berkeley, London's grand hotels really know how to uphold this historic tradition... with style. So get dressed up, find a seat by the fire, ask the pianist to play a request, and enjoy this classic, tasty and thirst-quenching ritual with your mum.  Claridge’sPrinces, politicians and personalities have all graced the sumptuously decorated foyer at Claridge’s for afternoon tea. And your mum could be next! The Art Deco interior of this hotel saw a stunning refit in 1999, bringing it back to its awe-inspiring former glory. The centre piece of the foyer - where tea is served - is a huge glass chandelier by Dale Chihuly, it really tops off the opulent surroundings. The interior itself is worth a look even without tea. With a selection of over 30 different blends of tea from around the world, you are spoilt for choice, as you are with the food. The ample selection of classic sandwiches, pastries and, of course, moist, fluffy homemade scones served with jam and clotted cream, will purge any hunger pangs, and probably negate the need for dinner. With a pianist and harpist to accompany your tea, you’ll be swept away by their soothing airs to a bygone era, set in stone at Claridge's. Mum will love it. Address: Brook Street, Mayfair, W1A Phone: 020 7409 6307 Time: Daily 15:00 - 17:30 Price: Afternoon Tea £28.50 per person | Champagne Tea £36.50 per person Dress Code: Smart Casual Nearest Station: Bond Street Tube Travel and Hotel Information Near Claridge's   The DorchesterWinner of numerous awards, this hotel has been a byword for style and comfort for over 70 years. Of the 3,000 meals served daily at the Dorchester none receives more care and attention than its fabled afternoon tea. Mum will definitely have heard of it. Tea is taken in the famous Promenade, and your party will be made to feel truly privileged by the lavish setting and polished service. You can plump for either Traditional Afternoon Tea, Champagne Tea which comes with a glass of champagne, or the more substantial High Tea, perfect as a pre-theatre meal. Choose from a varied selection of 20 imported teas, or go for the Dorchester’s very own delicate blend. The hotel employs its very own tea chef, solely in charge of the afternoon’s selection of finger food, not to mention the 15-strong team of pastry chefs who intricately fold together the mouth-watering range of sweets. Their scones have been made to the same delicious recipe for over 50 years, and we can tell why. Address: Park Lane, Mayfair, W1A Phone: 020 7629 8888 Time: Afternoon Tea: Daily 15:00 - 18:00 | High Tea: Daily 17:00 - 20:00 Price: Afternoon Tea £28.50 per person | Champagne Tea £34.50 per person | High Tea £38.50 per person Dress Code: Smart Nearest Station: Hyde Park Corner Tube Travel and Hotel Information Near The Dorchester  The RitzTea at the Ritz is synonymous with the comfortable colonialism of the old British aristocracy. For Londoners, it conjures an image of luxury, indulgence, formality and impeccable service. The Palm Court, where afternoon tea is served, is an exemplar of lavish Louis XVI luxury. Lofty ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and draped floral curtains all combine for a visual treat of the old Establishment. Waiters, dressed immaculately in tails, serve up tea with exact precision while a pianist tinkles the ivories in the background. Step back to a more refined era and see how the gentry took their tea in the days of the Empire. This is one sure way to make mum feel special on her day. Address: 150 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1V Phone: 020 7493 8181 Time: Afternoon Tea: Daily 11:30, 13:30, 15:30 and 17:30 | Champagne Tea: Daily 19:30 Price: £34 per person Dress Code: Jacket and tie. No jeans or trainers. Nearest Station: Green Park Tube Travel and Hotel Information Near The Ritz  The SavoyFounded by the owner of the nearby Savoy Theatre, this hotel has been at the centre of entertainment and celebrity in London for over a century. Down the years silver screen idols from Elizabeth Taylor to Nicole Kidman have stayed here. Make mum feel like a film star too. Right in the heart of Theatreland, on the banks of the Thames, the hotel’s setting is imposing. Fabulous views of the river even have Monet’s seal of approval – he painted them during a period of residence there. The Thames Foyer, where tea is served, is surrounded by a fabulous collection of Art Deco mirrors. Watch yourself tuck into a delectable afternoon’s worth of bite-size delights, reflected in their highly-polished surfaces. Served on delicate Royal Doulton bone china, the attention to detail is superb. Don’t forget to try the Savoy Blend tea either, it’s quite unique. The resident pianist finishes off the ceremonial atmosphere. If you are heading out to the theatre later on, why not go for the Theatre Tea? A selection of savouries including welsh rarebit, shrimps and quiche, followed by scones, apple crumble, trifle and carrot cake, is a pleasant way to fill up before the performance. Address: Strand, WC2R Phone: 020 7420 2669 Time: Afternoon Tea: Weekdays 14:00 -17:30, Weekends 12:00 - 17:30 | Theatre Tea: 17:30 - 19:30 Price: Afternoon Tea £28 per person | Champagne Tea £35 per person | Theatre Tea £28 per person Dress Code: Smart Casual Nearest Station: Charing Cross Tube / Rail Travel and Hotel Information Near The Savoy  St James’s RestaurantFrom the day Fortnum and Mason opened its doors to the nation back in 1707, tea has been one of their main concerns. The charming St James’s Tearoom opened just a few years after the British discovered their now beloved cuppa. Fortnum’s is the original London tea house. The fabulous food hall downstairs stocks over a century of blends including India, Nepal, Japan, Sri Lanka, along with their own in-house infusions, green teas and all sorts of fruity numbers. Tea tasting really is a fine art and these are the experts with nearly 300 year’s experience. The calm atmosphere, pacifying piano and broad view of Piccadilly makes the St James's Tearoom a tranquil haven away from the sea of shoppers outside, as well as providing the venue for a wonderful, flavoursome afternoon tea with your mother. The reputation of the food hall precedes it, and the sandwiches and pastries live up to expectations. Choose from a Traditional Tea, a Champagne Tea or the more substantial High Tea. Of course, if buying Mum a gift did completely slip your mind, Fortnum and Mason has plenty of opportunities: "I thought you’d like to choose yourself……" Address: Fortnum and Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1A Phone: 020 7734 8040 Time: Monday to Saturday 15:00 - 17:30 Price: Afternoon Tea £22 - £30 per person | High Tea £24 - £32 per person Dress Code: None Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus Tube Travel and Hotel Information Near Fortnum and Mason  The LanesboroughThe stunning Conservatory dining room attached to this elegant 19th century hotel was designed as a miniature imitation of the Brighton Pavilion and, as such, provides an ornate, international setting for the typically British custom of afternoon tea. Soothing, pastel mint and pink tones, Chinese lanterns and flowing water features form a suitably calming backdrop, allowing customers to enjoy the traditional delicacies of this exquisite, historic repast in peace and tranquillity. While a resident pianist plays diners’ requests in the background, finger sandwiches, crumpets, scones, French pastries, petit fours and tea are served with all due sobriety on Royal Worcester silver. The Lanesborough Tea costs £28 and includes a variety of teas, scones, pastries, teacakes and finger sandwiches. For £37 customers can upgrade to the Belgravia Tea which also includes champagne, strawberries and cream. Tea is served between 15:30 and 18:00 Monday to Saturday. Sunday service, including Mother’s Day, takes place from 16:00 to 18:00. The perfect, indulgent, relaxing treat for Mother’s Day. Venue: Lanesborough Hotel Address: Hyde Park Corner, SW1X Phone: 020 7259 5599 Time: Monday to Saturday 15:30 - 18:00, Sunday 16:00 - 18:00 Price: Afternoon Tea £28 per person | Champagne Tea £37 per person Dress Code: Smart casual Nearest Station: Hyde Park Tube Travel and Hotel Information Near the Lanesborough  The BerkeleyServed in the appropriately themed Caramel Room with its low-lighting, chocolate-coloured wall coverings and snappy faux-crocodile fabrics, afternoon tea at the Berkeley is a modern, stylish affair. From the contemporary design (courtesy of Alexandra Champalimaud) of the room to the unusual, striking design of the cakes and pastries this is an afternoon tea experience for those who like to mix tradition with innovation. While the traditional elements of the meal still remain, The Berkeley has added its own creative twists to the ritual, bringing this centuries old institution into the 21st century by producing cakes and pastries inspired by each fashion season’s catwalk designs. This Mother’s Day, eclairs, cupcakes and shortbread biscuits are all set for a makeover in the styles of top fashion designers such as Emanuel Ungaro and Diane von Furstenburg. Prêt-à-Portea - the “A Fashionista’s Afternoon Tea” – costs £35 per person and consists of a choice selection of loose leaf teas and herbal infusions together with a delectable selection of cakes, pastries and savouries served on Paul Smith for Thomas Goode fine bone china and presented in a cutting-edge style to match the catwalk. For those true fashionistas, it pays to upgrade (darling) and follow a warming cup of tea with an invigorating taste of Moet & Chandon NV Champagne served in a Baccarat crystal glass. The Moet & Chandon NV Champagne Prêt-à-Portea costs £47.50. This is the perfect Mother’s Day treat for truly modern mums. Venue: The Berkeley Address: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X Phone: 020 7235 6000 Time: Daily from 14:00 - 18:00 Price: Afternoon Tea £35 per person | Champagne Tea £47.50 per person Dress Code: Smart casual Nearest Station: Hyde Park Corner Tube Travel and Hotel Information Near The Berkeley  Brown'sEstablished in 1837 for “genteel” folk, James Brown’s charming hotel instantly became synonymous with the refined tradition of afternoon tea. A popular haunt of royalty and statesmen, the hotel has also attracted and inspired a number of famous guests. Graham Bell made his first successful British telephone call from Brown's in 1876, Rudyard Kipling wrote 'The Jungle Book' here and regular visitor and author Agatha Christie based her book 'At Bertram's Hotel' on Brown's. Lord Byron who once described the founder, his former valet, as the "gentleman of gentlemen”, also supped in these elegant surroundings. The English Tea Room is a wonderfully refined, discrete setting from which to enjoy a choice of teas - including Brown's own blend - finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, Brown's famous home-made jams and clotted cream, and a selection of cakes and delicate pastries. Brown’s traditional afternoon tea is available Monday to Sunday from 15:00 to 18:00 and costs £27.50 per person. Sink deep into an armchair, relax in front of the fire to the sounds of a piano, enjoy your chosen blend of tea from fine Wedgwood porcelain and select your desired delicacy from a Victorian silver tea-stand as you form part of history at Brown’s. A traditional, suitably historic way to mark Mother’s Day. Venue: Brown’s Address: Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S Phone: 020 7493 6020 Time: Daily from 15:00 - 18:00 Price: Afternoon Tea £27.50 per person Dress Code: Smart casual - no sports shoes Nearest Station: Green Park Tube Travel and Hotel Information Near Brown's  The CadoganJoin the Queen Mother, Lord Cadogan, Oscar Wilde, King Edward VII and Lillie Langtry by becoming a visitor to this historic, timelessly stylish town house hotel. After a morning’s hectic shopping in nearby Knightsbridge why not treat your mum to afternoon tea at this legendary hotel this Mother’s Day? Traditional English afternoon tea is served every day from 3 to 5.30pm in the Cadogan’s wood-panelled Drawing Room. Lined with rich, heavy saffron curtains and adorned with gold-stemmed, up-lighter lamps the room is enveloped in a soothing soft glow which emanates from the warm apricot hues of the traditional fabrics. Sink into one of the deep, dark green velvet twill Edwardian armchairs as you escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and savour a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fruit cake and tea (£19.50). For that extra touch of decadence why not celebrate the day and finish off your Mothers' Day afternoon tea with a glass of champagne (£24.50)? Venue: The Cadogan Address: 75 Sloane Street, SW1X Phone: 020 7235 7141 Time: Daily from 15:00 - 17:30 Price: Afternoon Tea £19.50 per person | Champagne Tea £24.50 per person Dress Code: None Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Travel and Hotel Information Near The Cadogan  The ConnaughtThe Connaught in Mayfair was originally intended as an oasis of calm for the landed gentry of England to retire to during their hectic visits to the capital. Little has changed since the opening of the hotel in 1897 – doormen in top hats and white gloves still usher guests into the majestic entrance hall with its magnificent mosaic floor and grand wooden staircase, and the historic tradition of afternoon tea is still re-enacted daily. The handiwork of leading British interior designer Nina Campbell, the Connaught's Red Room exudes rich, sumptuous elegance and style and provides the perfect, luxurious setting for afternoon tea which is served on equally beautiful and well-designed blue, patterned Limoges porcelain. Film stars Sharon Stone and Lauren Bacall are among the celebrities who have sampled the Connaught's Traditional Tea which costs £25 per person and consists of scones, pastries, crumpets served alongside a selection of teas (including a special Connaught Indian blend), coffee and infusions. Afternoon tea is served from cake stands in the Drawing Room and from a tea trolley service in the Red Room every day from 15:30 to 17:30. Venue: The Connaught Address: Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K Phone: 020 7499 7070 Time: Daily from 15:30 - 17:30 Price: Afternoon Tea £25 per person Dress Code: Smart casual - no jeans, no trainers Nearest Station: Bond Street Tube Travel and Hotel Information Near The Connaught  Did You Know?- Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is famed with inventing the tradition of afternoon tea in the early 1840s. The Duchess, who couldn't wait until 8:30 or 9pm when dinner was traditionally served, decided to ask her staff to serve bread, butter, cakes, biscuits and tea at mid-afternoon when she became peckish. - Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese wife of Charles II, made tea the official court beverage in the 1660s. |
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