Toronto tea services for every type of mom

Toronto tea services for every type of mom

While mom might say that you were the best gift she’s ever received, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for Mother’s Day (which is just around the corner, by the way). Here, tea services for every type of mom (even the ones who don’t like tea).

For the traditionalist

The Shangri-La

At the Shangri-La, treat mom to finger sandwiches (poached lobster with curried mayo, egg and watercress with crispy Seranno ham), clotted cream–slathered scones, pastries and over 60 varieties of tea in the hotel’s Lobby Lounge, next to a two-storey wall o’ champagne. Reservations recommended. $42 and up. 188 University Ave., 647-788-8888, shangri-la.com.
 

For the sartorialist

The Windsor Arms

Know what goes great with pinwheel sandwiches and petits fours? A fancy hat, that’s what, and for an extra $5, the hotel will lend you one of theirs for the occasion. All of the jaunty chapeaus have been donated by guests and organizations (and yes, they’re cleaned regularly). Bonus: all of the proceeds from hat rentals go to Look Good Feel Better, an organization that supports women with cancer. Reservations recommended. $38 and up. 18 St. Thomas St., 416-971-9666, windsorarmshotel.com.
 

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For the gamer

Bampot

At this boho tea house on Harbord, you and ma can sip chai and munch on nutritional yeast–dusted popcorn while you settle Catan. 201 Harbord St., 416-537-5959, bampottea.com .
 

For the history buff

The Royal York’s Library Bar

The Royal York has been serving classic afternoon cuppas since 1929. Free tours of the hotel’s Imperial room, its massive kitchen and the twee, train-themed York Station bar (the city’s smallest watering hole) are available following the tea service. Reservations recommended. $50. 100 Front St. W., 416-860-5004, fairmont.com.
 

For the sweet tooth

Moroco

This Yorkville dessert shop will switch out the tea for sipping chocolate, because sipping chocolate. They’ll also throw in some bubbly for a few extra bucks. Reservations recommended. $40 and up. 99 Yorkville Ave., 416-961-2202, morocochocolat.com.
 

For the mom with a tot in tow

The King Edward

If it can’t be an adults-only occasion, the King Eddy will take care of your 12-and-under party guests with its Jester’s Tea—complete with Nutella “tidbits,” a jelly roll lollipop and a double-decker grilled cheese. (Hey, eyes back on your own Earl of Sandwich tray.) $20 for kids, $35 and up for adults. 37 King St. E., 416-863-4125, omnihotels.com.
 

For the beer lover

Thoroughbred

Every Sunday afternoon, this post-work snack bar in the Entertainment District hosts something called “low tea,” where finger sandwiches and darjeeling are replaced with breakfast burgers and half pints. So, essentially, brunch. For the special Mother’s Day edition of low tea on May 8, each mom will receive a complimentary “momosa.” 304 Richmond St. W., 416-551-9221, tbto.ca.
 

For the partier

The Addisons

“Afternoon tea” at this King West house party goes down every Thursday after 5 p.m. For being such a cool mom, buy her a few rounds of $4 drinks and a game or two of bubble hockey. 456 Wellington St. W., 416-260-9393, theaddisonsto.com.
 

For the homebody

Kitten and the Bear

Parkdale’s cute-as-a-button confiturier lets you pre-order scone bundles for mom to eat in the comfort of her own home, in her favourite sweatpants. Fancy dress, be damned. $18 and up. 1574 Queen St. W., 647-926-9711, kittenandthebear.com.