Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea – an ideal treat

In a world of self-indulgence sometimes there can be no better feeling than showing someone you love that you care about them and since Mother’s Day is fast approaching why not take this opportunity to spoil her? Now, no one mother is the same but you can’t go wrong with a classic afternoon so here is our Seen In The City picks of fabulous afternoon tea ideas to guarantees a memorable Mother’s Day.

The Ham Yard Hotel, Soho

A firm favourite with celebs everywhere the Ham Yard Soho offers a spot of seclusion in the heart of busy Soho. This hotel combines elegance with a chic modern touch and would without doubt impress your mum. Their afternoon tea menu consists of a number of classic afternoon tea favourites such as fresh scones, cakes and tea assortments, yet it also incorporates other delicious dishes with a slight twist on the traditional afternoon tea featuring plates such as crispy mac and cheese with truffle and rabbit sausage rolls with harissa mayonnaise. The atmosphere is formal but not stuffy or overpowering, it’s perhaps for this reason so many people head over to the Ham Yard. For classic dishes done with style in a stunning environment the price is incredibly reasonable coming in at £19.50.
For more information check out their website here

Bake-a-Boo- Hampstead

This gem in Hampstead is severely underrated and acts as a breath of fresh air amongst other afternoon tea experiences. Not only is their afternoon tea delightfully kitsch but they also offer a delicious range of specialty cakes and treats free from wheat, gluten and dairy which could help any guests with specific intolerances. They also include baked treats free from egg and sugar but don’t compromise on overall taste. Their mother’s day menu at £24 a head will include dishes such as lemon cupcakes, vanilla glitter biscuits, chocolate covered strawberries and an assortment of finger food. All washed down with a glass of champagne and unlimited tea, of course. If you’re looking for something a little different away from the hustle and bustle it’s well worth checking out.
For more information see their website here

Marie Antoinette afternoon tea at Belgraves, Knightsbridge

For a hint of French fanciness that adds a new dimension to a traditional English afternoon tea the Marie Antoinette afternoon tea at Belgraves Hotel is well worth checking out. Although situated in Knightsbridge you’ll be transported back to Renaissance France with rose macarons, foie gras on brioche toast, Hollandaise quail egg tartlets and a Marie Antoinette playing card biscuit. Now depending on whether or not you drink this will alter the price, the afternoon tea set as a whole is £35 per head or with champagne you’re looking at a price of £45. A unique experience about a memorable lady with your very own memorable mum seems like an ideal combination, non?
For more information see their website here

The Bluebird, Chelsea

A favourite spot by the brunch loving Chelsea elite The Bluebird Chelsea is well known as a perfect place to eat and people watch so what better way to treat your mum than to afternoon tea gossiping over a cup of earl grey? In terms of food The Bluebird offers up a host of traditional favourites such as scones, finger sandwiches and cakes but arguably their specialty lies in the assortment of teas and fizz they have on offer. Their range of teas is extensive ranging from traditional Earl Grey to Flowering Osmanthus. Also like some previous options the price will depend on whether or not you include alcohol in your deal, the original price is £22.50 a head however if you choose to include champagne in your afternoon tea it will be £29.50. The price is even higher if you decide that you want to sample their SW3 Afternoon tea which features their signature Chambord cocktail topped with Moet & Chandon Rose Champagne. Well when in Chelsea..
More info can be found on their website here

Claridge’s, Bond Street

This iconic institution situated in Bond Street is known for its afternoon tea and is without doubt a showstopper for those looking to spoil their mum’s this year. Now it’s worth bearing in mind this is a more expensive option, due to the venue and the extensive menu they offer, but it is like no other afternoon tea experience you will have. The hotel is stunning in itself and Claridges know their afternoon tea, so much so that they have multiple different options to choose from. Their 2016 menu is intricate and well thought out, including options such as Parmesan sable, Quicke’s cheddar, apple and walnut and Corn fed chicken, truffled mayonnaise on rye bread finger sandwiches. Plus they offer a twist on the original cucumber sandwich, with a English cucumber, buttermilk and chamomile on white bread. Their cakes (aptly named temptation) include a mouth-watering moist sponge, dark chocolate ganache and a Yorkshire rhubarb and vanilla custard, ginger and pistachio jaconde, rhubarb jelly, along with many other tasty treats just made to devoured. With such delicious plates it’s only inevitable that the price is not for the faint hearted, you’re looking at a £58 spend (minus alcohol) and £68 with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut, NV. Albeit pricey for an iconic place like Claridges it is well worth the spend and it’s for your mum- she’s worth it.
For more info about prices and dates check out their website here

Whether you’re splashing the cash or looking for a slightly more subdued affair there is an afternoon tea for every mum, so don’t forget to treat her this year!