Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in Mayfair
In the 1840s, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, Anna Russel, began to feel peckish in the long hours of the afternoon, between her luncheon and late supper. Her elegant solution to these problematic pangs involved tea, of course, but also some sandwiches and other delicacies to appease her hunger until the evening meal.
From these humble beginnings was born the now revered British afternoon tea. It goes without saying that the best afternoon teas are to be found in London, but the very best of these can be enjoyed in the heart of Mayfair - London's most exclusive neighbourhood.
With the festive season lost to memory, afternoon teas are becoming a leisurely activity of choice once more, as we search for the best excuse to delight in delectable scones and clotted cream. As the 7th Duchess of Bedford was not only a culinary visionary but also a loving mother to William, the future 8th Duke of Bedford, it is fitting to honour her memory with a spot of afternoon tea this Mother's Day.
Infused with tradition and served with a splash of creativity, afternoon teas are served with passion in a range of Mayfair's grandest institutions - luxury Mayfair real estate seems to make the tea taste better! From the health-conscious to the most curious, any mother is certain to find something to tickle their appetite on the 26th March, much like the 7th Duchess of Bedford.
Based on Half Moon Street, Flemings Mayfair welcomes tea-drinkers openly. Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin grew up helping his mother in the kitchen and, thanks to her, knew from a young age that he wanted to be a chef. Now, treat your own mum to a luxurious Sunday afternoon tea experience at the celebrity chef’s new London restaurant Ormer Mayfair. Sink into your seat and sip on champagne admiring the stunning ‘30s interior alongside Shaun’s delectable sandwiches, scones and petit fours.
In contrast to this traditional spread, Mr. Fogg's answer to Anna Russel's midafternoon snack follows an altogether more hedonistic recipe by blending the familiar Earl Grey and English breakfast tea with Hendrick's gin, and Jasmine and Rooibos tea with champagne. However, true to form, the cocktails are served in a traditional teapot. For the more daring mother with grown children, Mr Fogg's Tipsy Tea is certain to provide an afternoon of fun. The elegant setting is tucked away behind Berkeley Square.
Of course, Mr. Fogg's option may not be everyone's cup of tea. Mayfair's famed Brown's Hotel serves the region's healthiest interpretation of the afternoon tea, offering an array of gluten-free options, light cream, and low-sugar jams. This does not mean to say Brown's Hotel will ever scrimp on the indulgence: seated where Queen Victoria best enjoyed her afternoon teas - among wooden panels, comfortable seats, and an intimate atmosphere - guests enjoy a wonderful menu, without any hint of the guilt that may follow one too many scones.
British afternoon tea has come a long way since the 1840s, yet it remains traditional at heart. Its versatility and timelessness makes it the ideal gift for any mother and offers the perfect opportunity to bring all generations together in Mayfair. It has become a symbolic token of gratitude and affection to those we love the most.
From these humble beginnings was born the now revered British afternoon tea. It goes without saying that the best afternoon teas are to be found in London, but the very best of these can be enjoyed in the heart of Mayfair - London's most exclusive neighbourhood.
With the festive season lost to memory, afternoon teas are becoming a leisurely activity of choice once more, as we search for the best excuse to delight in delectable scones and clotted cream. As the 7th Duchess of Bedford was not only a culinary visionary but also a loving mother to William, the future 8th Duke of Bedford, it is fitting to honour her memory with a spot of afternoon tea this Mother's Day.
Infused with tradition and served with a splash of creativity, afternoon teas are served with passion in a range of Mayfair's grandest institutions - luxury Mayfair real estate seems to make the tea taste better! From the health-conscious to the most curious, any mother is certain to find something to tickle their appetite on the 26th March, much like the 7th Duchess of Bedford.
Based on Half Moon Street, Flemings Mayfair welcomes tea-drinkers openly. Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin grew up helping his mother in the kitchen and, thanks to her, knew from a young age that he wanted to be a chef. Now, treat your own mum to a luxurious Sunday afternoon tea experience at the celebrity chef’s new London restaurant Ormer Mayfair. Sink into your seat and sip on champagne admiring the stunning ‘30s interior alongside Shaun’s delectable sandwiches, scones and petit fours.
In contrast to this traditional spread, Mr. Fogg's answer to Anna Russel's midafternoon snack follows an altogether more hedonistic recipe by blending the familiar Earl Grey and English breakfast tea with Hendrick's gin, and Jasmine and Rooibos tea with champagne. However, true to form, the cocktails are served in a traditional teapot. For the more daring mother with grown children, Mr Fogg's Tipsy Tea is certain to provide an afternoon of fun. The elegant setting is tucked away behind Berkeley Square.
Of course, Mr. Fogg's option may not be everyone's cup of tea. Mayfair's famed Brown's Hotel serves the region's healthiest interpretation of the afternoon tea, offering an array of gluten-free options, light cream, and low-sugar jams. This does not mean to say Brown's Hotel will ever scrimp on the indulgence: seated where Queen Victoria best enjoyed her afternoon teas - among wooden panels, comfortable seats, and an intimate atmosphere - guests enjoy a wonderful menu, without any hint of the guilt that may follow one too many scones.
British afternoon tea has come a long way since the 1840s, yet it remains traditional at heart. Its versatility and timelessness makes it the ideal gift for any mother and offers the perfect opportunity to bring all generations together in Mayfair. It has become a symbolic token of gratitude and affection to those we love the most.