Afternoon Tea
The 6 Best Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in London
Six of London's grandest afternoon teas, from The Ritz to Claridge's, for treating your mother properly this Mothering Sunday.
In short: our top picks are The Ritz, Claridge's and The Savoy. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Mothering Sunday is the one afternoon when the city’s great hotels feel made for the occasion, all tiered stands, warm scones and a pianist somewhere in the room. We have kept this list to the places that genuinely earn the fuss, the dining rooms that have been pouring tea for a century or more. Book early, dress up a little, and let someone else do the pouring for once.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Ritz | Mayfair | ££££ |
| Claridge's | Mayfair | ££££ |
| The Savoy | Covent Garden | ££££ |
| Fortnum & Mason | £££ | |
| Sketch | Mayfair | £££ |
| The Dorchester | Mayfair | ££££ |
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Editor’s choice
The Ritz
Why we pick itThe most famous afternoon tea in London, served beneath chandeliers in the Palm Court with live piano and cakes carved from a trolley at your table. The Ritz runs a dedicated Mother's Day sitting in mid-March, so book months ahead for the weekend of Mothering Sunday.
Traditional afternoon tea in the gilded Palm Court
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Claridge's
Why we pick itTea is poured daily beneath a vast Dale Chihuly glass chandelier, in plush armchairs with a pianist at the Steinway. Finger sandwiches, smoked Scottish salmon and seasonal pastries make this the quintessential Mayfair treat for a mother who likes things done properly.
Art deco afternoon tea in The Foyer and Reading Room
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The Savoy
Why we pick itA century of tradition with warm scones and more than thirty teas, served in The Gallery while the hotel's celebrated tea room evolves into the new Savoy Lounge. A grand, central choice if you are pairing tea with a West End matinee for Mother's Day.
Riverside hotel afternoon tea, now in The Gallery
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Fortnum & Mason
Why we pick itOpened by the late Queen in 2012, the salon looks over Piccadilly to gentle piano. New for 2026 is the Botanical Blends tea range created with Chelsea Physic Garden, and the famous food hall downstairs is ideal for a Mother's Day gift on the way out.
Classic afternoon tea in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
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Sketch
Why we pick itLondon's most photographed tea room reopened in January 2026 with a luminous new India Mahdavi interior and a Jonathan Baldock art installation, plus a live string trio. British classics meet French patisserie, a fun, design-led choice for a stylish mother.
Playful afternoon tea in the pink (now yellow) Gallery
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The Dorchester
Why we pick itServed daily on the restored Promenade with its art deco glamour and Liberace's piano from 2pm. The signature Dorchester Rose runs through the floral displays and the china, a romantic and very polished setting for Mothering Sunday.
Art deco afternoon tea on The Promenade
Before you book
Mothering Sunday falls in mid-March and the best rooms sell out weeks ahead, so reserve as far in advance as you can and ask about a Champagne upgrade when you book. Most kitchens cater happily for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free guests if you flag it at the time of booking.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The Ritz is our editor's choice: The most famous afternoon tea in London, served beneath chandeliers in the Palm Court with live piano and cakes carved from a trolley at your table. The Ritz runs a dedicated Mother's Day sitting in mid-March, so book months ahead for the weekend of Mothering Sunday. The Ritz, Claridge's and The Savoy lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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