Five fabulous London places to go for afternoon tea on Mother's Day

You can now enjoy afternoon tea at one of London’s most iconic locations, the County Hall. You’ll be right in the heart of London, next to the equally iconic London eye. Plus, you’ll be overlooking the Thames as you pop endless petits fours into your mouth, washed down with a glass of Earl Grey. They have offers on at the mo, including a champagne afternoon tea with one glass of champagne, for £59. And if you want to go big, opt for the free-flowing sparkling wine offer for £65 per person and enjoy to your heart’s content. 

Franco’s London prides itself as one of the first Italian restaurants to make London its home. It has a longstanding history, and has lived on Jermyn Street in the heart of Soho since 1945, surrounded by the lifestyle boutiques, private clubs, art galleries and hotels of the area. Though it might be an Italian restaurant, that doesn’t mean they don’t serve up a mean British afternoon tea. They’ve got a gorgeous assortment of different options, like mini danish pastries (in exciting flavours like apple & lavender, elderflower & apricot and pear). Plus lots of different teas to choose from, like Lapsang Souchong, Darjeeling Jasmin and a good old English Breakfast tea. And if tea isn’t what you fancy, don’t fret, opt for an Italian coffee instead.

Taking place at the chic and sophisticated Melody St Paul's, a short walk from the Hammersmith Apollo and the Kensington Palace, you can enjoy an array of different afternoon tea nibbles here. It’s technically a fine dining restaurant, but don’t let that put you off, prices aren’t too bad. With the standard afternoon tea priced at £29 per person, you’ll be treated to sandwiches, freshly baked scones, pastries & cakes, clotted cream and preserves. If you’re feeling extra fancy, they’ve also got a champagne afternoon tea and you can go bottomless (for two hours) for £65. We’d recommend that you book if you’re interested, as tables are always limited!

You might know The Londoner as a venue that puts on memorable weddings, galas and launch parties. You might also know it for its health and beauty sanctuary, with a pool, spa, gym, hair & nail salon and more. But did you know that they also offer afternoon tea here? The Stage at The Londoner is described as the place where “the drama unfolds”, serving not only champagne breakfasts and afternoon teas but also, decadent oysters and caviar. Their champagne breakfast is served from 8am to 10:30am, serving king crab omelettes and more. But their afternoon tea is where the traditional magic happens, where you’ll be able to devour delicious sandwiches, served with fine loose leaf tea from The East India Company. Located in the heart of Leicester Square, there’s plenty to do after you’ve tucked into your food, too. 

This one is for those of you who don’t have a sweet tooth. If that’s you, keep reading. The Athenaeum’s savoury afternoon tea serves up homemade sandwiches and Lincolnshire Poacher Cheddar scones. As well as things like savoury pastries and cakes including a pork & apple sausage roll, Welsh rarebit English muffin and quail egg & mushroom tartlet. Plus, their teas are pretty unique, like their Blue-tea-ful tea which is said to be an anti-oxidant powerhouse. If you do have a sweet tooth, don’t worry, The Athenaeum has something for you too. They also offer a traditional afternoon tea with all the sweet treats you’d normally expect.