The ultimate Mother's Day gift guide in London

With a classic builder’s brew being one of the UK's favourite beverages, it is easy to see why afternoon tea is enormously popular with us Brits. In fact, this opulent way of dining in the middle of the day has to be the most quintessentially British way to indulge for a special occasion. Chefs up and down the country are constantly re-inventing the traditional delicacy under completely new concepts for us to immortalise on Instagram before devouring. London understandably takes the number one position as the capital of afternoon teas, with an unimaginable directory of options and varieties to taste test.

Winged Boots pick: The Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley is a legendary afternoon tea with an additional dash of couture fashion. See the themes change with the trends as previous menus have been inspired by the likes of Dolce & Gabbana and Jean Paul Gaultier. Mother’s Day and Easter Prêt-à-Portea sell out quickly so be sure to pre book. 

Where to stay: Just a five-minute walk from The Berkeley, we recommend a stay at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. British heritage combines with luxury at this five-star hotel which boasts uninterrupted views of Hyde Park, a charming bar and spa. The perfect place to retreat back to after all those sandwiches and Champagne. 

For the mums that spend their time cooking for the family, give her a night off and spoil her with the gift of food and good wine. With the number of foodies consistently growing, as a nation our love of grub shows no sign of dwelling any time soon. And with London's worldly food scene continually evolving, it's just a case of choosing which type of cuisine you fancy. 
 
Winged Boots pick: Visit Smith’s Bar & Grill Wapping. Sitting on the banks of the River Thames, every seat in the house boasts iconic views of Tower Bridge through floor to ceiling windows. Its motto, ‘famous for fish’, rings true as it offers quality dining with an extensive menu of fresh fish and locally sourced meat dishes.

Where to stay: Extend your mum’s evening with a lavish overnight experience in the notable NOBU Hotel, Shoreditch. Just a 15-minute cab ride away from Smith’s, the hotel won’t disappoint with its world-class service and renowned contemporary Japanese-style interiors. Still feeling hungry? The hotel is home to the iconic NOBU Restaurant which serves sublime Japanese cuisine. 

It’s time for mum to let her hair down. Treat her to a night of fun and cocktails where she can opt for a well-needed date night, go out with the girls or if you’re lucky, maybe she’ll bring you along. Either way, London is extensively talked about for its diverse and exciting nightlife that caters for all moods, tastes and atmospheres you could wish for. 
 
Winged Boots pick: If you’re feeling fancy then do it right. Make a reservation at GŎNG, the highest hotel bar in Europe located on the 52nd floor of The Shard. Get lost in the dramatic views across London while sipping on an expertly made cocktail, it’s the perfect place to watch the sun set over the city, or those late night tipples. 

Where to stay: Don’t worry, after all those cocktails your mum won’t need to travel far. We have her staying at Shangri-La The Shard, London, one of the most prestigious hotels in the city. Enjoy panoramic views right from the comfort of a king-size bed, with luxurious facilities to provide the ultimate stay. And if you both have a sore head in the morning, a dip in Western Europe’s highest hotel pool will be sure to fix that.  

Does your mum have a taste for the finer and more artistic things in life? Let London supply her with a creative dose of love and appreciation this Mother’s Day as she explores everything from fine art and contemporary sculptures to modern and abstract. The UK’s capital has an unparalleled number of exhibitions and galleries available so whatever genre, or artistic movement interests her the most, she is bound to find something to excite. 
 
Winged Boots pick: We recommend a visit to the V&A museum, holding some of the greatest resources for architecture, fashion, photography, glass and more. The unmissable exhibitions and extraordinary collections will impress everyone from art novices to artists. With a continuous rotation of themes and displays, be sure to research what’s on before you book… Or don’t, we’re sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 

Where to stay: Just a 25-minute taxi ride from the V&A sits the spectacular Rosewood London. The legendary name lives up to expectation with decedent rooms, fabulous dining and a cosy bar that makes for the perfect night-cap setting. Rosewood is also renowned for serving an Art Afternoon Tea, which would be the ideal accompaniment to your mum’s V&A trip. 

Is your mum a thespian at heart, always looking to see what new play or critically acclaimed musical is next to hit the West End? Well give her the gift she doesn’t know she wants and book her tickets to the hottest new gig in town. From long standing performances like The Lion King to newer shows such as Back to the Future: The Musical and Bonny and Clyde, it will be a spectacle to remember. 

Winged Boots pick: Unsurprisingly, we couldn’t just choose one show: It’s an oldie but an absolute classic, for 2023 Dirty Dancing will be shown at the Dominion Theatre but only until the 29th April so you better book your tickets fast. For those looking to take a younger generation (or just young at heart) Frozen the Musical is taking centre stage at Theatre Royal Drury Lane until October this year, or opt for one of the longest-running musicals in West End history, The Phantom of the Opera. 

Where to stay: Your mum only deserves the best, so if you’re planning her an entertaining break in the West End, The Savoy has to be the place to stay. This landmark hotel is just a stone’s throw away from some of the most renowned theatres in London and has previously catered for entertainment royalty including Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. 

A spa day is certainly the best way to give your mum total respite and rejuvenation. Treat her to a weekend specifically tailored to wash away her day-to-day stresses and distract her from routine chores and never-ending to do list.

Winged Boots pick: Take relaxation to the next level with a trip to ESPA Life at Corinthia London. This World Luxury Spa Award winner is one of the most exclusive wellness locations in London, known for its holistic approach to wellbeing through therapies, fitness, beauty treatments and a Daniel Gavin hair salon. Let your mum have an afternoon of TLC. 

Where to stay: After all that pampering, the last thing you want to do is take a long and stressful journey to find your hotel. Take a stroll down the hall and check right in to Corinthia Hotel London, where your stay will be as zen as your spa experience. Appreciate the exquisite interiors, unbeatable views over London’s landmarks and a Michelin-starred dining experience at Tom Kerridge’s Bar and Grill.

Whilst London will provide endless fun, excitement and things to do, sometimes all our mums want is to escape from the hustle and bustle and just relax. So instead of a jam-packed itinerary, how about we organise a countryside retreat where fluffy bathrobes, delicious dining and tailormade spa treatments are the only things in the diary. Here is where we recommend: 

Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxford England

Best for: An incomparable foodie escape in the British countryside 

Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, Hampshire England

Best for: Secluded treehouse suites and award-winning spa 

Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder Scotland

Best for: Excellent golf courses and exemplary service