Celebrate Mother's Day With These Top Teas Around the World

Yahoo

08-05-2025

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Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
If you're looking to toast Mom over tea, scones, pastries and Champagne, here are some of the best afternoon teas in top cities around the world.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Teas at the Peninsula Beverly Hills range from the traditional Earl Grey to the exotic.Courtesy of The Peninsula Beverly Hills
As host of Kitchen Chat, I have explored countless culinary traditions, but few rival the elegance and indulgence of afternoon tea. The ritual dates back to the 1840s when Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, requested tea, bread, butter and cake to fill the gap between lunch and a late dinner. At the Peninsula's legendary Living Room, which boasts a spring floral theme, I adore indulging in sweet and savory delights created by the inspiring executive pastry chef Nicolas Delmau while the harpist's soft serenade adds a touch of tranquility. Teas range from the traditional Earl Grey to the exotic, such as the Tropical Peninsula, a blend of black Assam flavored with accents of mango, pineapple and blue corn flowers. The Living Room offers two seatings for afternoon tea, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and three seatings for Friday through Sunday, at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Traditional tea, which includes a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut, is $135 per person. Other options include a glass of the Brut Rose ($145 per person) and the Dom Perignon Brut ($190 per person). For reservations, call 310-551-2888 or book on OpenTable. peninsula.com
Brown's Hotel London
At Brown's Hotel London, you will be richly rewarded by the opulent history in the Drawing Room.Courtesy of Brown's Hotel (@JohnCarey2022)
Brown's Hotel is located in the heart of London's elegant Mayfair. In search of sumptuous luxury? You will be richly rewarded by the opulent history in the Drawing Room, where royalty and luminaries have indulged in the exquisite pleasures of afternoon tea. Don a fascinator to celebrate any occasion — and particularly this, a pillar of quintessential London life. Executive pastry chef Ross Sneddon creates a traditional and delectable spring afternoon tea, served daily from noon until 6:30 p.m. in the Drawing Room. Traditional afternoon tea costs £80 (around $102). With a glass of Ruinart Rose NV, it's £93 (around $120); with Ruinart Blanc de Blanc NV, £95 (around $122); and with Dom Perignon 2013, £125 (around $160). Vegetarian and children's afternoon teas are also available. roccofortehotels.com
Ritz Paris
The Ritz Paris the actual space where Marcel Proust found inspiration in writing his books.Courtesy of Ritz Paris
Perhaps, most of all, the Paris Ritz captures my heart. From the comfortable armchair in the Salon Proust, you'll cherish a French-style ritual of literally enjoying a sweet afternoon in this chic Parisian tearoom — the actual space where Marcel Proust found inspiration in writing his books. Executive pastry chef François Perret creates an exquisite goûter à la française. One of his signature pastries is the Ritz au Lait — a not-too-sweet take on rice pudding, with a shortbread base, caramel filling and chocolate cover. 'Goûter à la française' is served every day from 2-5:30 p.m., and beginning June 1 will be offered from 1-7 p.m. Le Royal, accompanied by a glass of Champagne or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or cocktail, is €105 (around $115). L'Imperial, which includes the beverage as well as a dessert, is €125 (around $150). ritzparis.com
Baccarat Hotel New York
The regal presentation of the sparkling Baccarat crystal three-tiered cake stand further elevates the luxury.Courtesy of Baccarat Hotel New York
Mother's Day weekend afternoon tea in the Grand Salon at the glitzy Baccarat Hotel New York will dazzle you on May 10 and May 11. Upon entering the glamorous space, outfitted with cascading chandeliers and rich fabrics, you'll receive a welcome glass of rosé, a red rose and a selection of spring-inspired delicacies. I was enchanted by the irresistible, warm scones and exquisite pastries created by the multitalented director of food and beverage and executive chef Ashfer Biju and his team. An insider's tip for eating scones: You can enjoy them either the Cornish way — which was Queen Elizabeth II's preference — by spreading jam on the split scone and then topping it with a dollop of clotted cream; or the Devon way, by spreading the clotted cream first and then adding jam. Here, the regal presentation of the sparkling Baccarat crystal three-tiered cake stand — filled with culinary delights — further elevates the luxury of this experience. Afternoon tea is $225 per person for adults ages 13 and up, and $115 per child. Call 212-790-8867 to book reservations. baccarathotels.com
The Balmoral Edinburgh in Scotland
The ceremonial presentation at The Balmoral, where the teapot is held high above the table and poured, is breathtaking.The Balmoral
Luxuriate beneath the glass dome and Venetian chandelier of The Balmoral's Palm Court for this award-winning tea experience. The Balmoral honors the afternoon tea tradition with contemporary offerings such as bubble tea. Executive pastry chef Ross Sneddon brilliantly uses exquisite tea as a subtle ingredient, enhancing the pastries' depth of flavor, which I just loved. The ceremonial presentation where the teapot is held high above the table and poured in a grand display is breathtaking. Afternoon Tea is served daily from noon to 5 p.m. The classic afternoon tea costs £67.50 (around $88) and the Champagne afternoon tea featuring Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve costs £82.50 (around $106). Call [phone] to book a reservation.