What better way to spoil your mother than to take her to one of the capital’s finest hotels for high tea. Hetty Chidwick picks the top ten to book now.
Ham Yard Hotel
If you’re lucky enough to have a film-loving mother or mother-in-law she will love being taken to trendy people-watching spot The Soho Hotel. On Sunday 6th March for Mother’s Day indulge in a special afternoon tea and a screening of the incredible Carol for £40.
(020—3642 2000; www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/the-soho-hotel/
The Dorchester
This extra special Mother’s Day afternoon tea includes a glass of champagne, themed pastries and pretty posies for mothers to take home. Mothering Sunday Afternoon Tea, from £59 per person.
(020—7629 8888; www.dorchestercollection.com/en/london/the-dorchester)
Claridge’s
One for the tea connoisseur, you’ll find a vast selection teas accompanied by a delicious selection of sandwiches and pastries. The tea is served in the magnificent Art Deco foyer and Reading Room on Claridge’s exclusive Bernardaud green and white striped porcelain. A classical pianist adds to the elegant atmosphere. Traditional afternoon tea, £58 per person and Champagne afternoon tea, £68 per person.
(020—7629 8860; www.claridges.co.uk)
Brown’s
For Mother’s Day, The English Tea Room will be serving a special champagne afternoon tea. Celebrate with a choice of 17 teas, sandwiches, pastries, scones and cakes set to a live soundtrack from the baby grand piano. £57.50 per person.
(020—7493 6020; www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/browns-hotel)
Dukes
A quirky afternoon tea experience combines the two classic British traditions of afternoon tea and gin. Dukes’ G & Tea includes classic finger sandwiches, pastries, scones and tea infused gin. Guests will also be offered an unlimited tonic to top up. £35 per person. Champagne teas are served with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne; £39.50 per person (020—7491 4840; www.dukeshotel.com)
The Savoy
An enduring classic where guests can choose from a range of teas served with finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream & jam and seasonal cakes and pastries in the Thames Foyer. Piano accompaniment and jaw dropping interiors top it off. £56/£69 for champagne tea.
(020—7836 4343; http://www.fairmont.com/savoy-london)
Mandarin Oriental
The Rosebery offers afternoon tea in a beautiful setting overlooking Knightsbridge. A selection of bespoke teas match perfectly with the culinary delights on offer. The Rosebery also offers champagne cocktails in the evening and the extensive sake menu is an alternative afternoon tea experience with sake pairings. From £41 per person.
(020—7235 2000; www.mandarinoriental.com/london)
The Goring
Having served traditional afternoon tea since 1910 they have mastered the perfect menu. Served daily from 3pm – 4:30pm, this is the ideal way to while away an English afternoon – and you even can sit out in the garden if the weather allows. £42.50 per person, Bollinger tea at £52.50 per person or for a really spoiling experience the Bollinger Rosé Tea is £62.50 per person.
(020—7396 9000; www.thegoring.com)
Café Royal
Served in the beautiful Oscar Wilde Lounge this grand afternoon tea spot oozes glamour. The food has a fresh take on the classic English tradition including a selection of indulgent sandwiches with fillings such as wild boar, crackling, pickled apple and mustard. These sit alongside pretty cakes, scones and pastries and a large selection of champagnes.
(020—7406 3333; www.hotelcaferoyal.com)
Baglioni Hotel
For an Italian twist this tea offers sandwiches such as grilled vegetables on focaccia and some delectable Italian cakes and pastries. Italian lemon meringue tarte, classic tiramisu and Capri chocolate cake caught our eye. However, afternoon tea wouldn’t be complete without scones, and they are served here with a choice of jam, cream and Nutella, or all three! Served with a glass of Prosecco. £42 per person.
(020—7368 5700; www.baglionihotels.com/category/baglioni-hotel-london)
** Read more restaurant reviews
