Mother’s Day 2017

Every year, come Mother’s Day, I’m always scrambling around to organise a gift, flowers, and a meal for Mum. And as those of you with big families know, getting everyone on the same page is the most daunting and tedious task. Kids have to be in bed by a certain time, some won’t be happy with the restaurant choice, others have plans for that day already; it is just so, so difficult to get everyone together at the same time. 

This year, I’ve made my life easier and found options that are ideal for two, Mum and myself. Don’t worry, I won’t keep them to myself and have shared them below!

P.S. scroll down to the bottom to find a table of restaurants with special Mother’s Day 2017 deals.

Classic Afternoon Tea 

How can you resist a warm scone piled high with clotted cream (goes first, of course) and sweet strawberry jam? Double win for both you and mum! For a traditional and classic tea, Mother’s Day Tea at the Ritz is a luxurious and unforgettable experience, from £54 per person. For some pizzaz, book Momo’s high tea filed with cheesy briouats and Earl Grey macarons for £25 per person, or opt for the colourful chaat trolley at Cinnamon Bazaar’s Trader High Tea at £30pp.

Halal must be requested at least 24 hours in advance, preferably when booking, for The Ritz. Both lamb and chicken is halal at Momo and Cinnamon Bazaar.

Sunday Brunching

Christopher’s brunch is a classic; think warm chocolate french toast with a dollop of creamy ice cream on top and wagyu steaks with crispy truffle fries (have to keep Dad in mind too!). For something more low key, Bake Street is a cosy cafe serving some of the best cakes around and for a more desi-style breakfast, take her to Al Kareem Sweets & Bakers or Nagina for a traditional breakfast of halwa puri.

Halal must be preordered at Christopher’s 72h in advance. All meats at Bake St, Al Kareem, and Nagina are halal.

Unwind at the Spa

Everyone needs to put their feet up once in a while, especially my Mum after a visit from me, so book her in at the Urban pop-up spa at the Four Seasons hotel on Park Lane. A special facial has been created just for Mother’s Day, £50 for a 30 minute session, and their normal treatments are also available (the massages are to die for!). Their Italian restaurant, Amaranto, downstairs is superb, and a nice way to wrap up an afternoon of pampering.

Amaranto at the Four Seasons requires at least 48 hours notice for halal meat.

Shop till You Drop

Portobello Road market becomes alive on the weekend and is the ideal place to pick up trinkets, jewellery and clothing at a bargain. Although the food market out there is great, the London weather can be quite dubious, so head down to Alounak or Sadaf on Westbourne Grove for a good, hearty Persian affair. If you’re looking to splash the cash, Sloane Square and Knightsbridge is the place to go. Take a break at the Laduree Cafe in Harrods for a good beef pastrami sandwich (and people watching too), or head to Chapati & Karak (my Mum’s absolute fave!) a few doors down for a quick cuppa and buttery paratha before getting back to the shops.

All meats served at Alounak, Sadaf, Chapati & Karak, and Laduree (ask on the day to double check) are halal.

Floristry Workshop

Think beyond that flower bouquet you’re about to order online and instead take Mum to a florist arrangement class in London! You’ll both learn the art of mixing and arranging flowers, and she’ll get to take home her masterpiece afterwards. The Design By Nature x Coppa Club pop up is £40 per ticket, and is taking place at both the London Bridge and Oxford Circus locations so you can enjoy lunch at Haz restaurant or a Sunday roast at Drunch. Alternatively, the beautiful St Pancras hotel is running a masterclass with Moyses Stevens, a royally appointed florist, from 22nd-27th March, for £35 per person. Finish the day off with some chai and spicy lamb chops at the Dishoom branch in Kings Cross.

All meats served at Haz and Dishoom is halal.

Happy Mother’s Day and a thank you to all you hard-working mums out there!