Treat the maternal figure in your life to a slice of indulgence this March with one of these incredible experiences — each for under £100.
Sweet treats and Mother’s Day go hand in hand. While gifts are always appreciated, most mothers would agree that quality time spent with family is a priceless present and — in our opinion — there’s no better way to spend time together than over a meal.
We’ve rounded up the best afternoon teas currently available to book across London, with treats ranging from traditional finger sandwiches and scones to Mamma Mia-themed cakes. The best part? All of them are under £100, with one on offer for £36 per person!
Great Scotland Yard Hotel
£70 per person
Once the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, the Great Scotland Yard Hotel is a London landmark. Tucked away in a vault-like corner, you’ll find the green velvet draped curtains that lead to The Parlour, the hotel’s tea and daytime dining room. Below ground with windows that look out to the street, its interiors have been revamped with bold colours and glamourous art deco-inspired décor.
Afternoon tea can be enjoyed here year-round, but the hotel has designed a special menu in honour of International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day. Delight in savoury bites like classic coronation chicken sandwiches, truffle egg mayo rolls and asparagus and lemon quiche. The cakes, which feature ornate and colourful decorations, take inspiration from the 40 Elephants, an infamous 19th century all-female gang known for their daring sophistication.
For more information or to book, visit afternoontea.co.uk
Mariage Frères
£54 per person
Perched above the lively streets of Covent Garden, Mariage Frères’ flagship store is home to Salon de Thé, a restaurant offering a unique afternoon tea experience.
Boasting around 1,000 varieties of tea sourced from 36 different countries, the restaurant presents an exciting selection of brews, while the indulgent food menu features an array of decadent French pastries infused with tea.
You’ll be unlikely to find a destination that goes to town on presentation as much as Mariage Frères — the level of detail is simply remarkable — while its ambience is fantastic too. If you’re looking for a spot to wow a tea-loving guest, Mariage Frères is a solid choice.
For more information or to book, visit Open Table.
Read more: This London hotel has a ‘luxurious’ new package for Mother’s Day
Strand Palace Hotel
£43 per person
If your mum’s a Mamma Mia! fanatic, there’s no better afternoon tea to book than this option at the Stand Palace, which brings the magic of the smash-hit musical to life. Every sweet and savoury treat is inspired by the characters and iconic ABBA songs, from Tanya’s Chiquitita Wrap with chicken tikka and mango chutney to the Slipping Through My Fingers cucumber and tzatziki finger sandwiches. Sweet treats include Donna’s Dynamo Ball coconut macaroon and Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie! chocolate cake, as well as traditional fruit scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam.
On top of all this, the hotel’s Tea Parlour has been decorated with charming Grecian artwork, so all your senses will be transported to Kalokairi.
The Ivy Collection
£35.75 per person
You can enjoy freshly baked scones, beautifully presented on a three-tiered stand, at selected Ivy Collection locations across the UK. A great option for those looking for a classic experience, this afternoon tea features clotted cream, strawberry jam and a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, along with creme brulee, mini chocolate truffles and a chocolate bomb to finish.
You can elevate your experience with a glass of Champagne for an additional £10 per person or opt for the milk, mint or white hot chocolate.
The experience is only available at a selection of restaurants, and you can find more details by visiting ivycollection.com
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Royal Lancaster London
£49 per person Monday to Friday, £55 per person Saturday to Sunday
Ideal for those bringing along little ones, the Royal Lancaster London’s Blooming British Afternoon Tea has been curated in collaboration with Natural History Museum and offers a floral twist on the British tradition.
Inspired by the museum’s work to protect the natural world, the menu includes The Ladybird — a light vanilla mousse with caramelised apple — and The Beehive, a honey cake with creme fraiche. There’s a fully vegan option available, as well as a bespoke children’s menu for £30.
After savouring your afternoon tea, you can stroll through Hyde Park and follow the specially designed map created by the hotel.
Royal Lancaster London’s Blooming British Afternoon Tea is available to book here.
The Kensington
£58 per person
Art-lovers will be sure to love this special experience at The Kensington hotel, where a live illustrator will be joining guests on Mother’s Day weekend to create bespoke, hand-drawn portraits of them enjoying their afternoon tea. The complimentary portraits will serve as a lasting memento of your time spent together, and you’ll leave with a keepsake to cherish for years to come.
The tea itself pays homage to influential artists such as Jackson Pollock and Yayoi Kusama, and includes creations like the ‘Girl with the Balloon’ cocktail, inspired by the evocative work of Banksy. A selection of delicate finger sandwiches will be followed by warm, freshly baked scones, and complemented by an expertly brewed selection of teas from the Rare Tea Company.
You can book the Afternoon Tea Live Illustrator Sessions at The Kensington here.
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Pan Pacific London
£68 per person
Bringing nature indoors, Pan Pacific London’s afternoon tea is a big and bold botanical experience where you can indulge surrounded by lush greenery.
After a Tea Discovery Experience, where you’ll explore ten botanical infusions, you’ll sample sweet and savoury menus that feature locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and celebrate the flavours and beauty of the natural world. Children can unleash their creativity and decorate their own biscuits with icing and sprinkles.
For more information or to book, visit panpacific.com
