The Mother’s Day guide for London

This popular tapas restaurant in trendy Crouch End will be sure to impress mum this Mother’s Day! La Fabrica combines artfully selected produce, traditional Andalusian recipes, and modern cooking techniques to bring you a truly authentic Spanish dining experience with an innovative twist. There are plenty of classic cheese and charcuterie options to start with, as well as delicious meat and fish plates such as calamari, ham croquettes, Iberian pork, grilled lamb skewers, garlic tiger prawns and more. La Fabrica also has an extensive vegan and vegetarian tapas selection, so there really is something for everyone on the menu. And if that wasn’t enough to entice you, there’s also incredible seafood and vegetarian paellas all day on Sunday – perfect for a long lazy lunch over a bottle of vino.

Head to Dalloway Terrace from 1-4pm on Mothering Sunday for a quintessentially English afternoon tea set amongst a gorgeous backdrop of breathtaking floral installations and glitzy tableware fit for a queen. Brought to you by Head Pastry Chef and Afternoon Tea of the Year finalist, Chris Dodd, Dalloway Terrace’s afternoon tea includes a luxurious selection of sweets, savouries, scones, teas, and even a glass of the finest bubbly (if you fancy upgrading to a champagne afternoon tea!). You and mum will be in heaven with treats such as rich hazelnut and dark chocolate profiteroles, refreshing poached salmon and crème fraiche sandwiches, dainty vanilla and lemon scones, and much more. Gluten free and vegetarian options are also available – just make sure you book 24 hours in advance!

The Pig’s Head is the perfect choice for the mothers who are big fans of organic and ethically sourced food. This rustic gastropub in Old Clapham Town supports fantastic sustainability initiatives, working with environmentally mindful farmers to deliver food and drink which is ethically sourced, locally grown, carbon neutral and compostable wherever possible. There’s a daily-changing menu, which is packed full of tasty meat dishes sourced from trusted farms, as well as a range of fresh and delicious vegetarian plates. On the drinks menu, you’ll find plenty of organic, bio-dynamic, and sustainable wine options plus craft beers, cocktails and more. The Pig’s Head is also a great option for all the family as it’s child-friendly AND dog-friendly. It’s a yes from us!

If you fancy something a bit different, why not head to Camberwell for a Kurdish-style brunch at Nandine? On the menu, you’ll find fragrant and vibrant dishes such as shakshuka (spiced scrambled eggs with spinach and herbs), mezze-style platters plus a traditional Kurdish breakfast comprised of labneh, Kurdish cheese, tahini syrup, honeycomb, and shepherd’s salad. Nandine also serves up an incredible baklava selection – perfect for sharing with mum over a pomegranate and sumac G&T or two! Brunch is served until 4pm on Sundays and after that, Nandine offers a selection of grilled kebabs and Middle Eastern savoury plates as part of its main menu.

Push the boat out this Mother’s Day and treat mum to fresh seafood, Champagne and all the oysters her heart desires! This Soho seafood bar is situated in the heart of Covent Garden, making it the perfect pit stop after a spot of shopping, or as a pre-theatre meal. Unsurprisingly, The Oystermen offers a HUGE selection of oysters, including classic vinaigrette dressings as well as more exotic options such as buffalo sauce oysters and tempura oysters served with Champagne aioli and smoked herring caviar. Other menu highlights include whole undressed Devon brown crab, langoustine bisque risotto and a scrumptious queen scallop gratin. 

Spinach is nestled among the tempting interiors shops, wine bars and foodie spots of leafy Lordship Lane in East Dulwich — an area that always makes for a lovely weekend wander. Inside this bright and homely eatery, everything from the produce to the furniture is carefully selected and eco-conscious. There’s a generous brunch menu that features baleadas, homemade granola, and brioche french toast, as well as a selection of fancy open sandwiches that are topped with mouthwatering arrangements. While Spinach is well-known locally for its restorative smoothies and juices, it can shake up a mean cocktail here too, so you can balance out the virtue with a little indulgence if you wish…

For a Mother’s Day to really remember, there’s nowhere quite like Claridge’s. While The Foyer and Reading Room is a classic setting for afternoon tea or Sunday lunch, The Painter’s Room is a truly special space for a celebration such as this. The snug, art deco lounge is decorated in pleasing shades of pink, featuring a blush marble bar with vintage-style finishes. You could splash out on some champagne, which comes served by the glass, or treat yourselves to one of the intriguing cocktails that are named after colours, including the complex Gamboge and the clean Carmine… If you fancy a nibble of something, then the menu here offers something to suit all tastes, from premium caviar to elevated comfort foods such as black truffle arancini, pulled beef croquettes and Claridge’s fried chicken.

With the sprawling Brockwell Park and a friendly farmers’ market on its doorstep, Herne Hill is another delightful little pocket of London that is worth exploring for a few hours on a weekend. You’ll find the inviting, Michelin-recommended restaurant Llewelyn’s right by the station, with its vast windows that let the light flood through the modern yet warm interiors. Its contemporary European menu is seasonal and interesting, with highlights including a smoked duck, pear, mustard and walnut salad as well as a roast chicken, black truffle and pilaf dish to share. There’s also an extensive wine list that features skin contact options if you really want to impress!

The recently-reopened NPG would make a brilliant day out for any culture-obsessed parents — plus it’s free to enter! This means you can splash out on a fancy brunch, lunch or afternoon tea in its sleek underground bar and eatery, Larry’s. With its exposed brick, velvet curtains and retro finishes, the space feels very Mad Men in New York, however you’ll find Australian influences throughout its menus as it’s owned by the Daisy Green Collection. You could opt for a reasonably priced bottomless brunch or a cream tea if you prefer to dine early. Meanwhile, for the night owls, there are plenty of cocktails, snacks and sharing boards that you can actually curate to your own tastes!

Caractère is a must-visit for serious foodies who like their meals to look like works of art. This venture from Emily Roux and her husband Diego Ferrari presents modern French fare in sumptuous surrounds in Notting Hill. This isn’t your typical French restaurant though… The menu is divided into ‘character traits’ such as curious, delicate and greedy, with premium ingredients like lobster, scallop and wagyu short rib presented in intricate and ornamental arrangements. If you really want to push the boat out, then you can choose your own five course tasting menu, however there’s also a set three course lunch menu available for £60 if you’re not feeling quite as flush!