It is Mother’s Day this weekend – Huzzah! In an instagram-ideal world you can expect a lovely bunch of flowers and breakfast in bed. However, let’s face it an instagram-ideal world is pretty aspirational. If your kids, or other half, need a push as to events or presents, just point them in this direction.
There are plenty of wonderful events happening around the capital, many of which you can pop by free of charge, and others that still have spaces to book.
Columbia Road Flower Market
One of our favourite haunts on any Sunday is Columbia Road Flower Market. With rows upon rows of beautiful, fresh flowers, boutique shops, and to top it all off – Lily Vanilli’s bakery, Columbia Road is a heavenly place to spend an afternoon.
Pop by the Lily’s place and sit down with a cup of loose tea and a Blackberry Apple cupcake before picking up a big bunch of peonies at a reduced price in the afternoon! Don’t forget to pop into our absolute favourite shops, Bob & Blossom for gorgeous kidswear, Dandystar for family inspired interiors and Angela Flanders, a real perfumery where the kids can tie the day up by treating you to a bottle of scent.
The Biscuiteers
If you prefer your flowers of the sugared, carb filled, delicious variety, look no further than Les Enfants favourite – The Biscuiteers. The lovely team at this Notting Hill based biscuit boutique have a fantastic range of Mother’s day gifts available, including a beautiful floral box of these hand painted pansy sugar cookies.
The only real issue with confectionary this beautiful is that it is so stunning you might be tempted not to eat it. Not us though. We know how delicious these biscuits are. It would take more than hand painted, floral beauty to stop us in our tracks.
Tate Britain – The Image of Motherhood
If you are more into your art than your gardening, be sure to pop by the Tate Britain on Sunday, where there will be a guided tour of the museum that explores the cultural perceptions of motherhood, and how they have translated to art across the decades.
There are a fantastic range of paintings on display, from the stunning work of John Sargent to the Pre-Raphaelite beauty of Waterhouse. Art historian Catherine McCormack will talk you through the ‘sacred’ images of mothers shown in early Christian iconography right up to the maternal works of 20th century artists. Find out more on the Art History website.
Wine Tasting at Conrad London St. James
Perhaps you, or your mum, is into harder stuff than art and flowers? What about wine and champagne? It suits us perfectly. Spend Sunday at Conrad London St.James, where a one off wine tasting event at the Blue Boar Bar is on offer for just £15.
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 for when you have finished and you have the munchies. To book call 020 3301 8080.
The Spa at The Mandarin Oriental
If you have not yet visited the Mandarin Oriental and you are based in London you are missing a trick! Their customer service is second to none, and their menus are to die for. Their spa is another thing entirely. If your mum is a little frazzled around the edges, and really needs looking after, this is the package for her.
Spoil the mother in your life this month with a Gaylia Kristensen anti-ageing Diamond Utopia Facial from The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. Frankly, just stepping over the threshold of The Spa feels like a treat. With the cocooning low light, you can feel your shoulders drop automatically. That, combined with the aromatherapy-infused air, pressure-point reflexology slippers and refreshing spearmint tea, heralds the start of the stress relief.
If all else fails, a bunch of flowers, a box of chocolates and breakfast in bed would be just fantastic. But really, with this list, do you have any excuse? Book us into the Mandarin Oriental. Book us now.
