8 Places to Take Your Mom to Tea This Mother’s Day

Gifts and flowers are great, but what Mom really wants is to spend time with you

There’s no better way to let Mom know you appreciate her than spending some time together. This year, high tea is an option for your celebrations at a number of Vancouver eateries, from long-standing local favourites to fresh and unexpected spots.

Here are our top picks for spots to enjoy high tea with your Mom…

1. Honey Salt

Nestled in the bottom of the Parq Vancouver, this chic and rustic space invites you to relax and catch up with Mom. Honey Salt’s Afternoon Tea menu features a great selection of TWG Teas. Expect classic cucumber finger sandwiches paired with fresh scones, crepes and a salted honey pie to finish.
39 Smithe Street, at Parq Vancouver, Vancouver; Served Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; $43 per person; Reservations by phone at 778-370-8200 or via email

2. Mosquito

Impress Mom with a stop at this sophisticated Gastown dessert and cocktail bar. Mosquito‘s contemporary, French-influenced menu features petits gateaux like chocolate caviar and kabocha pumpkin tart. You’ll feel like you’re in an up-and-coming Parisian cafe when your gorgeous two-tiered tea tray arrives. Add a glass of champagne while you’re there and celebrate your Mom!
32 Water Street, Vancouver; Served Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; $55 per person; Reservations by email

3. Neverland Tea Salon

If you want to gift Mom with a truly whimsical tea experience, you must set off for Kitsilano’s Neverland Tea Salon. Delicious teas are served out of mismatched fine china cups and your classic tea trays arrive brimming with noshes and sweets. If you or Mom have dietary restrictions, Neverland thoughtfully offers their High Tea in regular, vegan and both gluten- and dairy-free versions. You can also buy Mom a take-home bag of the tea she enjoyed to remember your time together!
3066 West Broadway, Vancouver; Served throughout the week, with various menus; $22 to $48 per person; Reservations by phone at 604-428-3066 or online

4. O5 Rare Tea Bar

O5 Rare Tea Bar is a fresh twist on taking Mom to tea, especially if she is the kind to know her pu’er from her sencha. Serving choices sourced directly from Asia, you’ll find an astounding variety of rare and delicious options at O5. Chat up the tea sommeliers and learn more about what you’re drinking, while they freshly prepare it in front of you. A tea-loving Mom will adore the novelty and authenticity of the experience!
2208 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver; Served throughout the week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Various prices; No reservations required

5. La Petite Cuillère

This charming tea house in Mount Pleasant is a great place to take a Mom who loves vintage-inspired interiors and classic English tea. In addition to High Tea, La Petite Cuillère serves brunch, lunch and simple tea options. Their menu includes scones with Devonshire cream, tea-infused savouries and macarons.
55 Kingsway, Vancouver; Served Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; $20 to $35 per person; Reservations by phone at 604-298-0088

6. Fairmont Vancouver Airport

If you can’t afford to take Mom on a trip this Mother’s Day, the next best thing is to take her to the airport for High Tea! The Fairmont Vancouver Airport has an elegant lounge overlooking the tarmac where you can enjoy their impressive service. High Tea is also served at the Fairmont’s other area hotels, including The Empress in Victoria and the Hotel Vancouver.
3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond; Served Monday to Sunday, with seatings at 2:00 p.m, 2:30 p.m, 3:00 p.m and 3:30 p.m; $69 per person; Reservations by phone at 604-248-3281 or via email

7. Venus Sophia

Your no-frills Mom would love to get spoiled at Venus Sophia, an award-winning cafe in Victoria that serves simple and chic Afternoon Tea. Wander around Chinatown before ducking inside to refuel on delicious sweets, savouries and scones… all elegantly presented alongside organic teas.
540 Fisgard Street, Victoria; Served Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; From $36 per person; Reservations by phone at 250-590-3953

8. TWG Tea

On Saturday, May 12th and Sunday, May 13th, TWG is offering exclusive Mother’s Day menus, with brunch, dinner and afternoon tea that Mom will love. The regal ambience of this space will make her feel like a Queen—and she even gets a special keepsake gift! Can’t make it on Mother’s Day weekend? Bring your Mom to TWG anytime. They always offer an exquisite Afternoon Tea, showcasing tea-infused treats and canapés.
1070 West Georgia Street, Vancouver; Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with special seating times for Mother’s Day weekend; $48 to $68 per person; Reservations by phone at 604-692-0071 or online