Mother's Day Gift Guide 2025: The 5 Best Afternoon Tea Tastings In London

Forbes

03-05-2025

Few gifts feel as timeless-or as indulgent-as afternoon tea in London. Whether you're celebrating a mother, grandmother, or mother figure in your life, high tea offers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort and quality time. And in a city where tradition meets modern luxury at every turn, London's tea scene has evolved far beyond finger sandwiches and scones.
The tradition of afternoon tea dates back to the early 1840s, when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, famously requested light refreshments to stave off late-day hunger before dinner was served. What began as a private ritual among the upper class quickly became a social event, complete with tea, pastries and pleasant conversation. While historically, this tradition cemented itself as a quintessentially British pastime, today, it's a celebration of craftsmanship, hospitality and elegantly stuffing your face with loved ones.
From historic hotels pouring rare single-origin blends to contemporary tearooms serving inventive patisserie with a view, these curated experiences are more than just a meal-they're a memory for Mom in the making. Whether you're booking for the big day or gifting the experience for an upcoming trip to the world's most iconic metropolis, here are the most luxurious, creative and unforgettable afternoon tea offerings in London this Mother's Day.
Edible art.
This Japanese-English fusion high tea was one of the most distinctive and delicious I've ever experienced. Standout savory bites included the Japanese BBQ beef brisket sandwich on a pillowy milk bun and a delicate yuzu and ponzu-marinated scallop crudo. The tea selection strikes a balance between classics like English Breakfast and Earl Grey and rare finds like the rich, fragrant Honey Black. Desserts were both inventive and visually striking—showstoppers like The Great Wave Off Kanagawa and The Thunderstorm Beneath The Summit felt more like edible art than sweets. Whatever you do, don't miss the Truffle & Pistachio tea-it was a real standout.
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Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is the gold standard-literally. Served in the opulent Palm Court with its glittering chandeliers and gilded mirrors, this is tradition with a capital T. Menu highlights include finely cut finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber and cream cheese or Tarragon chicken, warm scones with preserve and Cornish clotted cream and an array of pastries that rotate seasonally. With a resident pianist playing softly in the background and 20 types of loose-leaf tea on offer, including Black Lychee and Mint Chocolate, it's the kind of Mother's Day celebration that feels timeless-and totally unforgettable.
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Afternoon Tea at Claridge's is a Mother's Day classic, steeped in elegance and tradition. The menu is a masterclass in refinement: delicate finger sandwiches like smoked salmon with lemon cream cheese and egg mayonnaise with truffle, warm raisin and plain scones served with Marco Polo gelée and Cornish clotted cream and patisserie so artful it feels almost criminal to eat—think pear and crème fraîche cake or Yorkshire rhubarb and vanilla tart. Paired with a curated selection of rare teas and served under the soft glow of Claridge's Foyer, this experience is less a meal and more a love letter to indulgence. Perfect for elegant mothers who love the finer things in life.
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Quintessentially London.
Located in the heart of London's vibrant theatre district, the Brumus London Calling Afternoon Tea at Haymarket Hotel is a perfect Mother's Day outing. With its whimsical, London-inspired menu and stylish, art-filled setting, it's ideal for treating Mum to an indulgent pre-show tea. You could even gift her 'tea and a show,' for a truly unforgettable day. Highlights include landmark-inspired desserts, a fried Scotch egg and a delicious steak pie bite.
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Located just steps from Tower Bridge in the upper foyer of The Tower Hotel, afternoon tea at VU From The Tower comes with a contemporary edge and one of the best views in the city. The refined yet approachable menu features classic finger sandwiches: smoked salmon with cream cheese, honey roast ham with grain mustard and egg mayo with watercress, served alongside warm fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and jam. The pâtisserie selection leans elegant and colorful, with standouts like lemon meringue pie, pistachio bombe on chocolate shortbread and fruit macarons. The view at VU is not to be missed.
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