Butterscotch Tea Room W1
Restaurateur and doyenne of desserts Bea Vo launched this tea room in Marylebone just last month, a sister site to her Butterscotch Bakery brand in White City. They have tables available for a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea which includes: a selection of Floral Cupcakes, Fruit Flavoured Marshmallows, Freshly Baked Scones, Chocolate Brownies, White Chocolate Blondies, Sandwiches (served on mini baguettes), and a selection of teas by Jing. £22.50 pp (or enjoy some prosecco with your afternoon tea £29.95 pp)
TING, The Shard SE1
On Mother’s Day 2018, Ting will be exculsivley serving its Royal Botanical Afternoon Tea, £78 pp including a gift for each mother and a glass of Champagne on arrival. There are still a couple of tables available, but you’d better book quickly…
“You can choose between traditional and really different Asian afternoon teas” while enjoying “stunning views of London” on this plush perch on the 35th floor of the Shard, and its “quiet and spacious” quarters are also “an ideal location for business”. Of course it’s decidedly “not cheap”, and the odd report on those paying their own way at dinner here suggests “the electronic loos can be more memorable than the cuisine”.
Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, Fortnum & Mason W1
On 10 & 11 March, when you join Fortnums for Afternoon Tea, they’ll treat you and your Mum to a special top plate of treats. Afternoon teas start from £49 pp. Tables available: Book for 4.30 or 4.45 pm
For “a quintessential afternoon tea” in the heart of the West End, the “delightfully traditional” third-floor chamber of Piccadilly’s world-famous grocer slugs it out with the nearby Ritz (and to a lesser extent The Wolseley) as London’s best-known destination. Naturally “it’s a tourist trap, but not overwhelmingly so”, and – although some reporters feel “there is better elsewhere for a fraction of the cost” – the majority view remains that the “non-stop sandwiches and delicious cakes-with-a-twist” are “still special” here (there are also “lots of savoury and dairy free options”). “The choice of teas is extensive too, and you can sample different ones throughout the afternoon”. “You will not need an evening meal…”. Top Tip – “the scones are a piece of heaven: fresh, fluffy and warm with a dusting of sugar alongside their own dream-come-true jams”.
Maison Bertaux W1
Eschew booking a table entirely and take your mum for a takeaway treat at this iconic Soho patisserie. Or snag a table in the café if you can.
“Still unique” – this ‘Patisserie Francaise’ in Soho, opened in 1871, and, run (slightly “eccentrically”) by sisters Michelle and Tania Wade since the late 1980s, seems ever-more precious in a world of ubiquitous Starbucks and Costa Coffees. “I’m always a bit shocked at the prices, but the quality is top notch”, and it’s “surprisingly good for quiet conversation”.
The Salutation, Sandwich
This Grade-I listed hotel in Sandwich, Kent still has tables available for its afternoon tea served in a mini greenhouse, with a selection of savouries including ham hock on brioche and cheese & mushroom pastry. These are followed by home-made scones with The Salutation’s strawberry jam and clotted cream, and an assortment of sweets such as carrot cake with spiced mascarpone, and cherry Bakewell and custard. From £22 pp, which includes access to the hotel’s beautiful gardens, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It is also available to purchase as a gift voucher here.
Speaking of Afternoon Tea gift vouchers, there are plenty of those on offer if you can’t book a table for 11 March. The Marryat Afternoon Tea at Chewton Glen is named after the celebrated naval officer, Captain Marryat. Truly local ingredients are incorporated into the sandwiches, cakes, scones, jams and teas. £29.50 pp. Vouchers can be purchased here. Or buy vouchers for a relaxing Traditional English Afternoon Tea at Cliveden House, £39 pp, the price includes a £2 per guest National Trust fee. Vouchers can be purchased here. Afternoon tea at the Midland Hotel Tea Room, Manchester, is £25 pp and vouchers can be purchased here. Or you can buy vouchers for the luxurious dining room at Whatley Manor in Easton Grey to treat your mum to an afternoon of “real indulgence”. Their afternoon tea is £29 pp and vouchers can be booked here.
The Royal Lounge at The Hind’s Head still has availability for this Sunday’s special Afternoon Tea. Starting the leisurely afternoon with a refreshing Chase GB Gin cocktail, Britain’s first single-estate gin with botanicals served in a copper carter. The tipple is followed by a delightful spread of classic finger sandwiches such as tea-smoked Salmon on Soda Bread, time-honoured cucumber with mustard cress, lemon custard and cherry Bakewell tarts and scones, served with a selection of Jing teas. Priced at £39 pp.
This Morecambe hotel serves the “quintessential English afternoon tea” according to our reporters with “amazing views” across the Bay to the Lake District from the “very stylish” art deco hotel. Their traditional tea is priced at £21 pp, or add prosecco for £24.50 pp. Those looking to push the boat out can purchase a bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne for £45. Gift vouchers can also be found here.
The Delaunay WC2
Unfortunately you’re too late to book the Wolseley, but its Covent Garden counterpart The Delaunay has tables available for afternoon tea at 5.30, 5.45 and 6 pm. But get in there quickly! Champagne afternoon tea: £29.75 pp.
“Not as grand as its sibling The Wolseley”, Corbin & King’s “glamorous” outpost on Aldwych “is in a similar vein, but feels less frantic”, and in its own more “intimate” way is “one of the classiest rooms in town”. “The cooking, in an Austrian bent, is OK without being fantastic”, majoring in “jolly gigantic schnitzel” and other “stodgy” (slightly “complacent and expensive”) fare. As with its Piccadilly stablemate, breakfast here is a prime strength – “a very civilised way to start the day” – and its “well-spaced”, comfortable and “old-fashioned” style similarly makes it a major business favourite, being “smart enough to impress, without being overbearing”. It’s “brilliantly convenient for pre-theatre too.” Next door, its spin-off, ‘The Counter’, “serves a great coffee and the pastries are to die for!”
Palm Court, The Ritz W1
There are still a couple of tables available at 3.30 pm for the Ritz’s Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea with a glass of Rosé Champagne and an exclusive gift: £90 pp
Even those who find this famous afternoon tea experience “a bit cheesy”, feel “it has to be done” given its status as the benchmark that has for so long epitomised the occasion, and it’s “possibly the best of its type in grand surroundings”. Yes, it’s “expensive – but if you’re going to do it, do it in style”. Top Tip – “you’ll need to book months ahead for that special event”.
The Arch London W1
Opened in 2010, this luxurious Georgian townhouse hotel and hideaway in Marble Arch usually offers a Royal Afternoon Tea. For Mother’s Day there’s a special tea planned with a glass of Taittinger Brut reserve champagne and a gift for mum: £45 pp. They still have a smattering of tables available between noon and 6 pm.
Sofitel St James Rose Lounge
This Mother’s Day unwind in the elegant Rose Lounge adorned by opulent blooms, where a harpist plays daily from 3 pm. A selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked homemade scones, Parisienne pastries and classic cakes will be on offer, with a range of teas to accompany the sweet and savoury dishes. Afternoon Tea at The Rose Lounge is served daily from 12pm to 6pm, priced at £45, served with a glass of Moët & Chandon Rosé NV £55 and an additional glass of Moët & Chandon Rosé NV at £17. There are still tables available for 5.15 and 5.30 pm.
