Mums' sunday best

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but we’d wager a woman’s heart is just as easily won over with foodstuffs, especially if that woman happens to be your mum, and the foodie feast on offer is one decadent afternoon tea. Treat Mummy dearest to one of the Capital’s top spots for a cuppa and a cucumber sandwich (and all those delicious sweet treats) and you really can’t go wrong: she’ll get her fill of you-time, too.

It’s safe to say the good folk at Piccadilly’s Athenaeum know their stuff when it comes to serving afternoon tea. The five-star hotel was awarded a Tea Guild for the best afternoon tea in London, no less, back in 2012, and we’re guessing their standards have far from slipped, since. The perfect place to spoil Mum in the lavish surroundings of the Garden Room overlooking Green Park, this Sunday’s afternoon tea sittings are a Mother’s Day must. 116 Piccadilly, W1 (020 7499 3464)

Musical mums will love a trip to the Royal Opera House, which allows ticket-holders and non ticket-holders alike visiting rights to the exquisite Victorian conservatory, designed by E.M.Barry. Tea will be served in the glorious, glass-vaulted Paul Hamlyn Hall and – adding a charming touch – will come accompanied with the soft tinkling of a Royal Opera House pianist. Mums in the House will receive an edible treat to take home, too. Bow Street, WC2 (020 7304 4000)020

And this Mothering Sunday, the ever-so-elegant Dean Street Townhouse will be hosting a traditional afternoon tea with a selection of high tea favourites. Your mummy and your good self can sit back and relax in the sophisticated Georgian venue surrounded by contemporary artworks co-curated by artist Jonathan Yeo and arts writer Francesca Gavin. High tea? High art? Isn’t it high time you get booking? 69 – 71 Dean Street, W1 (020 7434 1775)