Mother’s Day 2022: London’s Most Delicious Afternoon Tea Menus

By: Andrea Jane Pearce

Planning a trip to town this Mother’s Day? Why not make your visit even more memorable by adding a delicious tradition to your itinerary?

From high-end hotels to trendy alternatives, we’ve compiled the definitive guide to the best afternoon tea menus in London so you can treat someone special to some outstanding dishes this Mother’s Day.

THE ATHENAEUM

What better place for us to start than with The Athenaeum, one of Mayfair’s most stylish hotels?

Served in its very own contemporary restaurant, 116 at The Athenaeum, the old celebrity haunt’s afternoon tea menu is packed with mouth-watering sandwiches and homemade cakes, not to mention an impressive selection of artisan teas.

While you’re there, why not treat yourself and your special guest to a refreshing glass of English sparkling wine or, if you’re feeling generous, a round of free-flowing prosecco?

116 Piccadilly, W1J 7BJ | Book now

TAJ 51 BUCKINGHAM GATE

Famous for its luxurious accommodation and exceptional customer service, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate will be serving two remarkable afternoon tea menus this Mother’s Day, one inspired by Indian dining culture and the other a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II and her 70 years of service.

Dig into traditional Indian desserts with the Indian Jasmine Afternoon Tea or delicate pastries made to look like tiny royal carriages with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee menu. Whichever you choose, there’s no doubt you’ll remember your afternoon at Taj for many years to come.

51 Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6AF | Book now

THE RITZ

No list would be complete without The Ritz, an establishment widely considered to be the world’s premier destination for afternoon tea.

Mother’s Day afternoon tea is served in Palm Court, a breath-taking space featuring birdcage chandeliers, gleaming mirrors, and a central floral display. You’ll soak up your gorgeous surroundings while dining on a selection of delicacies, from cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches to freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream.

150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR | Book now

CLARIDGE’S

Served in Claridge’s stylish art deco foyer, this world-renowned afternoon tea has been delighting Londoners and tourists alike for over 150 years.

New to Claridge’s menu in 2022 is a selection of stunning French pastries, designed by Parisian pâtissier and MOF Pâtissier Confiseur, Jérôme Chaucesse. You’ll be served these luxurious treats on the finest bone china (which will, of course, be sporting the hotel’s signature green and white stripes) alongside a choice of mouth-watering sandwiches and scones.

Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR | Book now

HOTEL CAFÉ ROYAL

Nothing says luxury quite like the Oscar Wilde Lounge at the Hotel Café Royal, which was once the meeting place for such world-renowned stars as David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor.

Dating back to 1865, the setting is now home to the hotel’s award-winning afternoon tea service, which comprises over 25 exclusive tea blends and is served to the accompaniment of a live pianist.

This year’s Mother’s Day afternoon tea pays homage to the great Vincent Van Gogh. Michael Kwan’s menu is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, featuring three bespoke desserts inspired by Van Gogh’s most famous artworks.

68 Regent Street, W1B 4DY | Book now

ROSEWOOD LONDON

The dazzling Mirror Room at Rosewood London is the perfect setting for an exceptional Mother’s Day experience, especially as this year’s afternoon tea menu has been inspired by the Tate Modern’s Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms exhibition.

Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins has created some truly astonishing pastries to complement Kusama’s mind-bending sculptural installations. Savour his delicious creations, plus flavoursome Japanese sandwiches you can wash down with a cold glass of champagne.

252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN | Book now

SKETCH GALLERY

Step into the Gallery at sketch, David Shrigley’s pink paradise in the heart of Mayfair.

Not just a Michelin star-awarded establishment, sketch is now home to the largest group of Shrigley’s original drawings ever exhibited. His witty artwork is a playful contrast to the plush interior. The perfect marriage of bourgeois and avant-garde design culminates in a venue unlike any other.

So, why not pull up a scalloped chair and dig into Pierre Gagnaire’s quintessentially British menu this Mother’s Day?

9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG | Book now