Mum’s the word! Eastlondonlines’ ultimate guide to a very special Mother’s Day

Columbia Road Flower Market. Pic: Twm™ on Flickr

Columbia Road Flower Market. Pic: Twm™ on Flickr

Mother’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate our mothers and all that they do for us. Olivia Cassano traversed the four Eastlondonlines boroughs in an effort to find the best flowers, presents, restaurants and days out for your mum on March 10.

Hackney

Where to buy her a present: Lifestyle Bazaar, 11A Kingsland Rd, Shoreditch, E2 8AA.

This shop carries the perfect mix of homeware, accessories and design. The eclectic collection provides an array of different gift ideas, ranging from colourful kitchen and living room accessories to one-of-a-kind jewellery. Lifestyle Bazaar is fantastic for the forward-thinking and original mum.

Where to buy her flowers: A.G. Price Florist, 217/219 Well St, E9 6QU

A.G Price holds a reputation as an exquisite and professional florist, where the expert staff will carry out any requests to the upmost standard. The shop has remained in Hackney for 100 years and has supplied flowers for all kinds of events in local venues. A.G. Price’s Mothers Day offers also mean that you can surprise your mum with a beautiful arrangement without tugging on your purse strings too much!

Where to take her for a meal: The Tea Rooms, 155 Stoke Newington Church St, N16 0UH
For bookings, call: 020 7923 1870

Treat your mum to a high tea or delicious lunch at this delightful, homely venue. Whether she prefers to enjoy a heart-warming soup accompanied by a cheese scone with butter, or more traditional finger-sandwiches and cakes with tea, you will find a variety of beautifully-presented options. And if you think their extensive tea list is not enough to celebrate with your mum, The Tea Rooms offers a glass of Prosecco with your afternoon tea for a classier touch.

What to do next: Sweet Pea Flowers Mother’s Day flower arranging, Sweet Pea Studios, 5-9 Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT
For bookings, contact: 07867564021 / marianne@sweetpeaflowers.co.uk

Spend Sunday morning in the midst of scented bouquets learning the tips and tricks of flower arranging whilst enjoying some light refreshments. The informal 2 hour class will begin with an introduction on flower arranging, followed by a demonstration of how to make a bouquet. This is a perfect opportunity to get creative and spend some quality time with your mum. The best part? You get to take your masterpiece home with you! At £65, tickets are a little pricey, but you only get one mum!

The Gantry, Lewisham. Pic: The Gantry.

The Gantry, Lewisham. Pic: Kate Pugh.

Lewisham

Where to buy her a present: Bunka, 4 Darthmouth Rd, Forest Hill, SE23 3XU

Bunka is a fabulously eclectic lifestyle boutique stocking everything from funky homewear, jewellery and accessories to cutting-edge clothing. Their assortment of gift ideas ensures there is something for everyone, perfect for any occasion, including Mother’s Day.

Where to buy her flowers: Rosie, 407 Brockley Rd, SE4 2PH

Rosie Flower Shop offers anything from cutting-edge arrangements to traditional bouquets, catering to all of your needs. The staff’s expertise is often compared to the very best West-End florists… but with better prices!

Where to take her for a meal: The Gantry, 188 Brockley Rd, SE4 2RL
For bookings, call: 020 8469 0043

Relax in front of the fireplace, sit back at the bar, dine inside the conservatory or, if the weather allows it, soak up the sun and fresh air in the hidden garden. Gantrt is a wonderful addition to the Brockley dining scene, bringing a European twist to your local pub. Enjoy some Italian burrata mozzarella, French duck confit wrap, or the vegetarian-friendly alternative of baked vegetables and quinoa crumble.  This gastro-pub is the perfect spot to treat your mom to some leisurely time with friends and family.

What to do next: Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Rd, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

The Horniman has been open since Victorian times, and its collection has since then grown tenfold and internationally-acclaimed pieces. Enjoy a cultural afternoon with your mom at this free-entry anthropological museum, perhaps followed by a leisurely walk in their mesmerising 16-acre gardens.

 

Tower Hamlets

Where to buy her a present: Spa London, York Hall Leisure Centre, Old Ford Rd, Bethnal Green, E2 9PJ
For bookings, call: 02087095845

Surprise your mum a pampering session at one of London’s award-winning spa resorts. Located within Bethnal Green’s historic York Hall, spa London offers a combination of traditional thermal treatments and modern therapies. No better way than to celebrate your mom than with a luxurious reward such as this one, and with their Mother’s Day vouchers, it’s a no brainer.

Where to buy her flowers: Columbia Road Flower Market, Columbia Rd, E2 7RG

Columbia Road is one of London’s most visually appealing markets, and offers bucketfuls of beautiful flowers every Sunday. Lined with over 100 colourful and fragrant flower stalls, this historic street fills up with a bright patchwork of independent stands. You’ll smell it before you see it!

Where to take her for a meal: This Bright Field, 268 Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, E2 9DA
For bookings, call: 02088807080

Despite having opened only in the summer of 2012, this café’-restaurant has already been deemed to be a highly enjoyable dining experience, with top reviews across the board. The casual and open atmosphere is complimented by the Provence-style furnishings which beautifully accompany a seasonally directed menu. Did someone say ‘shellfish gratin with braised fennel and saffron potatoes’?

What to do next: The Vintage Emporium, 14 Bacon St, Brick Lane, E1 6LF

Spend the afternoon in this decked out Victorian style tea room and vintage shop. The main floor is home to a quirky and quaint café which offers a range of traditional delicacies and wide selection of teas and drinks. What makes The Vintage Emporium different from every other east-London tea room is the downstairs, which houses an amazing vintage boutique stocking the finest clothing and accessories from the Victorian era to the 1950s. Take your mum to this one-of-a-kind emporium for a good vintage-sale rummage and warming tea and cake.

The Vintage Emporium. Pic: Giorgia Pautasso

The Vintage Emporium. Pic: Giorgia Pautasso

Croydon

Where to buy her a present: Country Cream, Northfield House, 49 Hayes Lane, CR8 5LF

Any mum will appreciate a gift from Country Cream, famous for its home accessories and soft furnishings. This delightful shop offers anything from candles and soaps to pillows and throws, including bespoke peronalised gifts.

Where to buy her flowers: Maurice Hyde Florist, 18c Selsdon Rd, South Croydon, CR2 6PA

Maurice Hyde is a well established, family-run shop. Their Mother’s Day arrangements give you the option of adding chocolates, champagne, balloons or other gifts to make your mum feel even more special.

Where to take her for a meal: Matthew’s Yard, 1 Matthew’s Yard (off Surrey St)
For bookings, contact: 02086800940

The jewel in the Matthew’s Yard crown is its weekend brunch, served from 10am til 4pm. The menu consists of fresh, hearty and locally sourced food and still manages to be reasonably priced. Once a warehouse, Matthew’s Yard has been revamped into four cool rooms where you can relax and enjoy a glass of wine or an excellent cup of coffee. Take your mum to this hidden gem for a pleasant and alternative dining experience.

What to do next: The Dog & Bull, 24-25 Surrey St, CR0 1RG

Complete Mother’s Day with a drink in one of Croydon’s oldest pubs. You can savour the traditional feel of The Dog & Bull, where the friendly atmosphere reflects Croydon’s colourful history. Sit in the beer garden and choose a pint from their vast list of real ales, beers and lagers.

The Dog & Bull, Croydon. Pic: marianthipop, Flickr

The Dog & Bull, Croydon. Pic: marianthipop, Flickr

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