London’s best restaurants to visit on Father’s Day

There are many stereotypes about dads loving to host BBQs, but North Pole Bar and Grill can prepare the BBQ for your dad for a change. The menu has a very varied selection of grilled meats like lamb chops, chicken shish kebab, North Pole sirloin steak and even a vegan kebab option, so the chances are they will have your dad’s favourite. There are also burgers, wraps, dessert, classics and sides menus, alongside a sharing platters section, so you could easily bring the whole family along to fill their bellies and make your dad’s special day a bit brighter with their company.

Six by Nico is a unique fine dining experience. Every six weeks, Nico Simeone presents a new unique six-course set menu. At the time of writing, the menu was based on ancient Rome’s cuisine. It included Crispy Pasta, Black Pepper & Parmesan Royale, Belly, Fillet and Rib of Pork with Fennel, Bean Ragu, Date & Apple, and Honey Parfait, Ricotta Cheese, Preserved Quince, Fizzy Muscat Grapes, Pear & Citrus. Whichever menu’s up in time for Father’s Day, you can be sure of one thing: it be bold, innovative and created with the finest quality ingredients.

Maybe your dad likes a traditional outing to the pub – many do. If this is the case, the Kings Arms would be a great place to take him on Father’s Day. The main menu has lots of diversity, with starters ranging from the soup of the day to tequila cured salmon or even southern fried chicken wings. In addition, there are plenty of standard British pub food mains, including Honey Mustard Glazed Ham Egg & Chips, Fish and Chips and Proper Bangers and Mash. So if you want to have a pint and a relaxed meal with your dad to celebrate Father’s Day, then a visit to The Kings Arms should do the trick.

This is another great option if you’re looking for the charm of an old-fashioned British pub (it’s one of the longest-standing in the area). But The Spread Eagle comes with the added advantage of being among the trendiest vegan eateries in the East End and the first of its kind to become fully animal product-free. So if dad is eating eco-consciously, bring him here, to Homerton, for some proper grub. Dark blue panelling, industrial lighting and bare wooden tables and chairs give The Spread Eagle a fashionably masculine look. Or if the June weather holds out, you can book a pastel-painted table in the sunshine and lavish him with plant-based cocktails, to show how much you care.

Having been in business for some 37 years, Babur knows a thing or two about gourmet Indian cuisine. If your dad is a sucker for a good curry, bring him here for nosh on another level. Each Sunday sees a buffet lunch until 4pm, and with under sevens eating free, this could save you some pennies if your fam likes to feast. Or bring him for a meal in the evening and let him select from the a la carte menu, featuring dishes like crab bonda (tempered blue crab meat dumplings with mint coriander puree), swordfish tikka, Rajasthani khargosh (saddle of rabbit, with kadhi sauce) and jackfruit and young peas dosa. Or treat him to a full-scale tasting menu with wine pairings (both veggie and meat options are available). This will afford you some extra special items; we’ve spotted ingredients like 100 hours marinated steamed shoulder of lamb, goat shoulder tikka and aubergine mash on this menu.

For a real treat of a lunch, The Petersham Hotel in Richmond offers gorgeous views across verdant meadows and to the Thames beyond. The Sunday menu consists of a classic roast with all the trimmings as well as indulgent and theatrical plates, such as smoked salmon carved from a trolley and a twice cooked lobster souffle. If you can, try and leave room for a British cheese plate too… If you’re looking to make a day of it, you’ll find majestic attractions within the vicinity, including Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace.

For a more lowkey pub lunch, The Cricketers serves up a range of different roasts as well as pub favourites like fish and chips, burgers and a pie of the day in warm and cosy surrounds. There’s plenty of outside space to bask in the sun, if it pays a visit (fingers crossed!), and you can look out across the lively Kew Green as you sip on a Bloody Mary or your wine or ale of choice. With live sport often shown and an open fire when the temperature drops, this community pub is a lovely local spot perfect for a laidback celebration.

If you’re looking for something a little more European, then Columbia Road is the place to go. Make your way through the throngs of people perusing the flower market, and you’ll find the delightful family-run Spanish restaurant Laxeiro among the charming boutiques and pubs. Here, you’ll be transported to warmer climes and family holidays with plates of croquetas, Iberico pork and paella. They even offer a brunch menu, so you can get to the market before the crowds then indulge in some authentic churros and bocadillos.

Caddi Club is a brilliant way for golf lovers and amateurs to enjoy the sport together. Here, you can practice your putts and swings with the help of pros, and then enjoy some food and cocktails all accompanied by dreamy views of the river Thames. From colourful salad bowls to fresh pizzas and decadent stuffed sandwiches, there’s something to suit all palates and cravings — and you’re bound to have worked up an appetite competing against your family for the top spot!

For proper Naples-style pizza — original is usually best after all — head to Rudy’s on Shoreditch High Street, where the dough is freshly-made onsite every day and left for 24 hours to double ferment. And the details don’t stop there… They’re even picky about their tomatoes here, which are strictly San Marzano tomatoes that are grown next to Mount Vesuvius. When it comes to choosing toppings, you’ll find all the usual suspects as well as monthly changing specials, white pizzas and vegan options. Plus, you’ll be just walking distance from more foodie delights at Boxpark and Eataly next to Liverpool Street Station. Bellissimo!