Top 10: Father’s Day Ideas in London – 2015By Angelica Malin
This Father’s Day, there’s many ways you can show you care. You can take them for a slap-up meal, an Asian brunch feast, or, indeed, just get them breakfast in bed delivered. We’ve rounded up the best ways to say ‘thanks, Dad’ in London – here’s our top 10 gift ideas for Father’s Day, let’s start with the meal…
1. For Classic British: Flemings Mayfair
What: Luxury hotel Flemings Mayfair is a great spot for Father’s Day. The AA Rosette winning restaurant The Grill offers a range of expertly grilled classics, fresh handpicked salads and delectable desserts set against the glam surroundings of the hotel. What’s more, Dad’s starter, main course and dessert is free when diners book a table for four or more this Father’s Day.
Expect: Guests can choose from the a la carte menu, with dishes such as bavette of beef with roasted shallot, watercress and beef jus and steamed sea bass with champagne sauce and caviar. Don’t miss the lychee, raspberry and rose macaroons and British cheeses with sweet chutneys and crackers.
Why: It’s free, people. And the Flemings is utterly lovely – your dad will enjoy it greatly.
Where: 7-12 Half Moon Street, London W1J 7BH
2. For Asian Brunch: House of Ho
What: This Father’s Day, Vietnamese restaurant The House of Ho is inviting Dad’s to dine in style with a complimentary Rock ‘n’ Roll Brunch to celebrate their special day.
Expect: A delicious brunch featuring a selection of Ho’s signature dishes for £29 per head; think Lychee Bellini on arrival, Fresh Summer Rolls, 7 Spice Marinated Squid, Chicken Pomelo Salad and Lemongrass Chicken in a Fish Caramel Sauce
Why: For great food, and seriously fun atmosphere. Bobby Chin’s House of Ho is wild, and you’re guaranteed to leave with a very happy tummy. Dads can eat for free when dining with a minimum of three other people and all diners will receive unlimited free Prosecco with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Brunch Menu.
Where: 55-59 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 6HW
Bookings can be made by telephone on 020 7287 0770 and there is a two hour turnaround policy on all reservations. Offer applies to Rock ‘n’ Roll Brunch Menu only.
3. For Oysters: Wright Brothers
What: Wright Brothers are keeping it in the family this Father’s Day; when you take your Dad to any of London’s Wright Brothers restaurants for lunch or dinner on 21st June, he’ll be treated to a pint of Stout and 3 oysters on the house!
Expect: Oyster specialists Wright Brothers boast incredible restaurants in Borough Market, Spitalfields and London’s Soho, ensuring no one will have to travel far to reach London’s finest oysters. Come for an ultra luxe feel and great food; my favourite is the Wright Brothers Soho, with head chef Sasha Ziverts, formerly of Eight Over Eight, at the helm.
Why: For outdoor dining. At the Soho branch, the heated outdoor space in Kingly Court lets you sample the modern Asian inspired seafood menu under the stars, in the unique courtyard situated off vibrant Carnaby Street. Heaven.
Where: Throughout London – see here
In order to benefit from the offer customers must quote Father’s Day when making the reservation.
5. For Steak: The Jones Family Project
What: Steak restaurant The Jones Family Project are offering a special deal on Sunday roasts this Father’s Day. Anyone that buys a bottle of wine from the 100-strong list will be able to purchase two Sunday roasts for £9.95 each.
Expect: Located in the heart of Shoreditch, The Jones Family Project is an all-day restaurant and bar that truly offers something for everyone. With a name that alludes to the tight-knit group of friends behind the restaurant and also to the welcoming multi-faceted nature of the space, The Jones Family Project caters for everything from a quick morning coffee and light lunches to evening cocktails and three-course dinners.
Why: All meat for the roasts is sourced from the Ginger Pig and the wine list features some fantastic bottles including the amazing 2004 Belle Epoque Champagne marvellous full bodied Priorat for only £30.
Where: 78 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3JL
6. For Cigars and Cognac: The Wellesley
What: The Wellesley, London’s first boutique-grand hotel, has a special Cigar & Cognac package for Father’s Day. If you want to splash out, this is the one for you. The package includes overnight accommodation, complimentary drop-off in The Wellesley’s Rolls Royce, made-to-measure shirt and much more.
Expect: The Wellesley’s Father’s Day Cigar & Cognac package includes a private, one-on-one cognac tasting flight paired with cigars, conducted by The Wellesley’s expert cigar sommelier, to be enjoyed in The Wellesley’s Cigar Lounge – an absolute haven for the cigar aficionado.
Why: Additionally, The Wellesley has partnered with luxury British menswear brand, Budd Shirtmakers, to offer guests an extra special treat for their Father’s with a bespoke made-to-measure shirt fitting in the comfort of their own room or at the Budd store.
Where: 11 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LY
The Wellesley’s Father’s Day Cigar & Cognac package is available to book from £595 per suite, based on two people sharing, and is valid for stays until 21 June 2015.
6. For Fish: World’s End Market
Why: For Father’s Day, the World’s End Market – a great gastropub in the heart of Chelsea which serves ‘ market fresh’ produce sourced as locally as possible, has created a special menu for £39.50 for three courses.
Expect: All the best fresh fish, grilled meats and sharing style tapas food. The meal also includes coffee and they have added a complimentary glass of Chapel Down sparkling wine – our very own British champagne – per guest.
Why: For a great atmosphere and fresher than fresh food.
Where: 459 Kings road, London SW10 0LR
7. For Afternoon Tea: 108 Brasserie
What: 108 Pantry, the all-day dining destination in the heart of Marylebone, is launching a special Afternoon Tea created just for men, served with an optional pint of Guinness.
Expect: A twist to their traditional afternoon tea – think hearty treats, savoury and sweets including delicious sandwiches, scones, pastries and cakes. Afternoon tea will be priced at £28 per person and will be served with a pint of Guinness or £35 with a glass of authentic Irish whiskey.
Why: Grilled rib eye steak sandwich with caramelised onion and Shropshire Blue cheese AND peanut butter and chocolate cupcakes. Go on, then.
Where: 108 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2QE
To book this exclusive Men’s Afternoon Tea, diners should call 020 7969 3900, email 108_hosts@doylecollection.com or visit www.108brasserie.com.
8. For Cigar Classes: Voltaire
What: If your dad is into cigars, you can´t get much better than this. Give the unique gift of an annual membership to Voltaire’s Cigar Club.
Expect: For £69, Dad will receive: 10% off each total bar bill, his favourite tipple stocked behind the bar, a complimentary lighter or cutter, VIP invites to masterclasses and tastings, 10% off cigar purchases and future ticketed events with the first event at a discounted rate.
Why: The classes will make a cigar connoisseur out of anyone, to include a glass of champagne on arrival and a selection of canapés throughout the evening. You will learn from the experts on how to identify the fabulous flavours, exotic aromas and inspiring ingredients of the best vintages the world has to offer.
Tickets are priced at £35 per person but places are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment on 0207 438 8059 or hello@voltairebar.com. Purchases can be made direct at the bar or online at www.voltairebar.com
9. For Breakfast in Bed: Forman and Field Hamper
What: Can’t decide what to get him? Try a Forman and Field hamper with plenty of delicious things to nibble on, including Forman’s Grade One Scottish Salmon, Mrs King’s Pork Pies and Monmouthshire Air-Dried Ham. They’ve got gourmet hampers, breakfast hampers and much more.
Expect: We love the Breakfast in Bed Hamper – this hamper means all the hard work is already done for you as you simply present him with his tray of salmon, Peter’s Yard Crispbreads, Chapel Down Brut Reserve, Pear & Lemon Conserve and Paddy & Scott’s Morning Coffee. Heaven.
Why: If you can’t treat your old dad to a breakfast in bed on Fathers’s Day then when can you?
10. For a Thrill: James Bond Tour in London
What: See James Bond film locations and hear insider gossip galore on a 2.5-hour London walking tour. At only £12, it’s a real steal for Father’s Day.
Expect: With a Bond expert as a guide, learn all about the fictional (and rather dashing) 007 agent who flirted and wooed his way around the world on secret missions for the British government.
Why: As Bond’s headquarters were based in the capital, London is awash with sites featured in the films, and you’ll see buildings, movie props and secret bunkers used in classics like ‘Skyfall,’ ‘Die Another Day’ and more.
