Brasserie Zedel, Soho
In addition to bags of atmosphere, Brasserie Zedel has a couple more pluses; namely a menu of French classics that’s surprisingly reasonably priced for central London, and interiors with more than a hint of the Wes Anderson about them. After lunch, take your mum into the Art Deco Bar Américain, which is cosier (and quieter) than the cavernous dining room, to treat her to a digestif.
20 Sherwood Street, London W1F 7ED
brasseriezedel.com
Rules, Covent Garden
A haven for foliage way before we all started lining our living rooms with plants, Rules is as photogenic as much newer and more premeditated players on London’s food scene, despite being the oldest restaurant in the city – established in 1798, no less. Mums who were glued to last year’s royal wedding coverage will enjoy the vibe at Rules, where you can kick things off with a Duchess of Cambridge (pink pepper gin and vodka) or a Duchess of Sussex (cognac and champagne nectar) cocktail, before sitting down to the sort of feast we imagine the Queen might enjoy after a bracing walk around Balmoral, like cock-a-leekie soup followed by roast haunch of venison.
34-35 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7LB
rules.co.uk
Spring, Strand
Light-filled Spring, tucked inside the new wing at Somerset House, is home to easily one of the prettiest dining rooms in London. As good as the food is (order the halibut), chef Skye Gyngell’s efforts to reduce the waste that’s rife in the restaurant industry are even better. The “scratch” menus at Spring feature dishes made using leftover ingredients that would otherwise have been thrown away, and Gyngell has pledged to make the venue plastic-free by the end of this year. Delicious, seasonal food with a feel-good factor – what’s not to like?
Somerset House, Lancaster Place, London WC2R 1LA
springrestaurant.co.uk
Coal Rooms, Peckham
A relative newcomer that’s set up shop in the old ticket office at Peckham Rye train station, Coal Rooms has swiftly become one of the toughest-to-get-a-table-at Sunday roast spots south of the river. If your mum is underwhelmed by the less than glamorous approach to the venue (did we mention it’s in the train station?), she’ll quickly come around once she’s inside, with a pink grapefruit G and T in hand and the smoked lamb shoulder en route.
11a Station Way, London SE15 4RX
coalroomspeckham.com
Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden
Instead of bringing flowers to your mother this year, bring your mother to the flowers at Petersham Nurseries’ Covent Garden outpost, where the fragrant blooms from the on-site florist spill over into the two restaurants, La Goccia and The Petersham. The Petersham is offering a five-course set Mother’s Day menu for £55 per person, which includes a rose petal bellini each to toast the guest of honour.
31 King Street, London WC2E 8JD
petershamnurseries.com
Trullo, Islington
Trullo is a big sister to Padella, the Borough Market pasta bar that’s impossible to miss thanks to the queue that snakes permanently out of its door and around the corner. If a lengthy wait for a table doesn’t sound like your mother’s dream day out, at Trullo you can treat her to similarly delicious Italian food without having to set up camp on the pavement outside for an hour. You will need a reservation, though.
300-302 St Paul’s Road, London N1 2LH
trullorestaurant.com
Berners Tavern, Fitzrovia
Foodie mums will be into the menu at Berners Tavern, which is largely a love letter to British fare devised by Michelin chef Jason Atherton. His Sunday roast options include Herdwick lamb shoulder, Buccleuch Estate beef Wellington and Cornish cod. The very easy on the eye dining room also manages to feel grand without being stuffy.
10 Berners Street, London W1T 3NP
bernerstavern.com
The Wolseley, Piccadilly
If you’re keen to step it up a notch from a card and chocolates this year, then afternoon tea is a great place to start. Afternoon tea at The Wolseley? Even better. The soaring ceilings and elegant tableware make any celebration in this buzzy grand café feel extra special. The Pommery Brut Royal NV helps, too.
160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB
thewolseley.com
