Top 7: Indulgent Mother’s Day Ideas in LondonBy Alicia Grimshaw
Ever feel that the standard bouquet of flowers that you’ve got your Mum for the past five years doesn’t cut it any more? Or those gift vouchers that she still hasn’t used and are still in the drawer with the dodgy pens and phone chargers. We think there is no greater gift than food and what makes Mum’s happier than a discounted card and a bottle of vino is food, and lots of it. We’ve rounded up some of the best food offerings in London. So tuck in and happy munching.
1. For the Hungry Mother: Brunch at B + H Buildings
What: Launching a brand new menu especially for Mother’s Day, B + H are serving up some classic British brunch dishes featuring Eggs Benedict, Eggs Royale and other favourites such as drop scones, bubble and squeak and the always trusty crumpets. Set against the backdrop of open fires and grand decor, the Bourne and Hollingsworth Building will be sure to earn you double Mother’s Day points, much better than a hand cream gift set.
Why: Not only is there brunch being served, but a new cocktail created for Mum’s is also on the menu, the bottomless Hollingsworth Iced Tea, including earl grey rolled with Rathbone New London Dry Gin, fresh citrus and peach liqueur. There is also free refills on classic cocktails including Bellini’s and Bloody Mary’s, yes really. If that doesn’t sway your decision, I don’t know what will.
Where: Brunch is being served from 10am-4pm on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March at 42 Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 0HU.
How Much: Eggs Benedict starts from £8.50 and cocktails range from £6.50 to £16 for bottomless.
2. For the Extravagant Mother: Afternoon Tea Aboard the Sunborn London
What: Push the boat out and board the Sunborn London for afternoon tea and an overnight stay on this luxury yacht. This 124 metre floating hotel is moored at the iconic Victoria docks. Potter around Greenwich before returning to the deck for you and your Mum to enjoy Champagne Afternoon tea. Enjoy a glass of bubbly on your own private balcony, taking in the view of London as it transforms into sea of lights.
Why: Afternoon tea doesn’t get much better than this and will be a sure hit with any Mum. There’s no better location for munching on a scone that on board a 5* star yacht moored near Canary Wharf. Pair endless food and drink with a luxury yacht stay and you’ve earn yourself double brownie points, makes up for that naff jumper you got her last Christmas.
Where: Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL
How Much: The Sunborn London Mother’s Day package is £340 based on two sharing a Yacht Executive Room with private balcony. This rate includes a night stay on a B&B basis with a Champagne Afternoon Tea, luxurious Molton Brown welcome present, two return tickets on the Emirates Air Line with a half bottle of champagne and box of truffle chocolates and late check out. To book call 0203 714 8111.
3. For the Fussy Mother: A Breakfast-in-Bed Hamper from Forman and Field
What: Treat your Mum to breakfast in bed with this delicious hamper including Forman’s Grade One Smoked Salmon, Peter’s Yard Crispbreads Refills, Chapel Down Brut Reserve, Pear & Lemon Conserve and Paddy & Scott’s Morning Coffee all presented in a snazzy Forman & Field hamper, ensuring breakfast will go without a hitch.
Why: Because who doesn’t love a good breakfast? A slap up breakfast with bubbly is always a good way to start Mother’s day and it also helps that you don’t even have to leave your house, just make sure your condiment cupboard is stocked.
Where: formanandfield.com – order by 10am for guaranteed next day delivery.
How Much: £44.95, other hampers range from £12.50 to £79.99.
4. For the Boozy Mother: Wine Tasting at Conrad London St. James
What: A one off wine tasting event at the Blue Boar Bar with wine guidance from Francois Miguel, Managing Director of Ogier winery. The event will allow guests to be immersed in the “Expression de Terroir” range, experiencing and tasting the impact of different soils on the aromas and flavours of the wines. They also do a smashing Mother’s Day special afternoon tea.
Why: WINE TASTING, there’s nothing more to say. Endless wine served with divine canapés and you’ve got happy stomachs and a happy Mum.
Where: Conrad London St. James, 22-28 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH
How Much: 25th march, £15 per person. To book call 020 3301 8080
5. For the Stressed Mother: A Spa Break and Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park
What: Unplug from social media (you can surrender your mobile phone at the door) and unwind with a choice of either Swedish massages or prescription facials for two, and exclusive use of the relaxation room.
Why: Escape the city and unwind with your Mum in this stunning hotel with 240 acres of gardens. If that’s not enough, you also have the chance to brush down the horses with the equestrian team.
Where: Coworth Park, Blacknest Road, Ascot SL5 7SE, England
How Much: For an overnight stay, spa treatments and afternoon tea, prices start from £460 for a stable room.
6. For the Chocolate-Loving Mother: Godiva Café in Harrods
What: Godiva and Harrods have joined forces to present the ultimate chocolate experience. Combining classic flavours with trusty chocolate, Godiva presents tasty treats that will cure anyone’s sweet tooth craving. The menu includes such favourite as chocolate fondue cake, creme brûlée and chocolate crepes.
Why: This afternoon pit-stop will be a sure fire pick me up and will go down much better than a box of chocolates from a petrol station. The selection of tasty treats available is longer than my arm, so no one will go hungry.
Where: 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL
How Much: Prices range from £5 to £20 for the fondue.
7. For the Tea-Drinking Mother: Afternoon Tea at Andaz Hotel
What: Afternoon tea to suit any tea drinker. Packages include the Cocktail Afternoon Tea, for Mothers who enjoy a daytime tipple to your Traditional Afternoon Tea for Mums who enjoy the classic breakfast tea. You definitely will not go thirsty.
Why: It’s a fail safe gift. You can’t go wrong with a good brew in Grade Two listed surroundings and even better your Mum will leave with a nice prezzie, meaning you don’t have to buy her anything.
Where: Sunday 15th March, 2:00pm – 5.00pm. The Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel, 40 Liverpool Street, London England EC2M 7QN
How Much: Traditional Afternoon Tea £29, Cocktail Afternoon Tea £35, Champagne Afternoon Tea £39 per person. To book, please call 0207 618 7000 or email londondining@andaz.com
