Embrace the sentimental this Mother’s Day
(Picture courtesy of Earlybird Cards)
We don’t buy this piffle that Mother’s Day is an over-commercialised day designed to get you spending!
What’s wrong with showing a little thanks for the love, the care and the constant work mums devote to us and a little appreciation for the havoc motherhood wreaks on bodies and minds! And if we can do that while keeping it local – all the better!
So with that in mind (and yes, this article was compiled by a wrung-out mother), we’ve put together some local recommendations that are guaranteed to warm hearts, fill bellies and create some lasting memories.
TAKE A WALK
The forecast might be cloudy, but you can’t beat a family walk.
(Picture supplied by Haringey Council)
Check out PARKLAND WALK. This beautiful nature reserve follows the course of the old railway that ran between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace. This remarkable path is home to over 200 species of wild flowers, if you’re lucky you’ll see a muntjac deer and you’ll definitely see and hear a vast array of birds. You can access the walk from the far end of Finsbury Park and the path is around four and a half miles long (but you can choose to make it shorter).
We love WOODBERRY WETLANDS nature reserve - take a stroll around the East Reservoir where you can see stunning wildlife and enjoy a rare moment of peace. If you’re feeling energetic walk on to the West Reservoir over the road and you can follow the path round to Green Lanes and up to Clissold Park. Zer Café is tucked just behind the West Reservoir and is a lovely spot for brunch or lunch.
MOTHER'S DAY GRUB
Book in for brunch and cocktails at this quirky, neighbourhood bar. They’ve teamed up with Belsazar Vermouth to offer all mums dining with their family a Belsazar Rose and Tonic and a main dish with their compliment – and mums will receive a gift box with four miniature vermouths. The menu here is getting rave reviews. It includes Avocado, dukkah and poached eggs on sourdough toast, Fried chicken with waffles, avocado, fired egg, BBQ hot sauce and pickled cucumber or homemade granola with coconut yoghurt, banana and berries. They also have a great kids menu.
THE LAST CRUMB, Stoke Newington
Enjoy afternoon tea in one of Stoke Newington’s loveliest cafes, their special Mother’s Day menu includes Scotch quail’s egg in an almond crumb, soda bread with shredded ham hock, scones with clotted cream, macaroons, mille-feuille and éclairs with a chocolate ganache and coffee fondant. (£25 per head).
EDITH'S HOUSE, Crouch End
This place is full of nostalgia – it’s just like your Nana’s house! The colour scheme is beige, magnolia and orange, old family pictures adorn the walls and the furniture is super twee. There’s even a loo which you can sit on while you drink your coffee (the sink has been converted into a table! The menu includes flavoured scones and traditional comfort food and there are plenty of vegan and veggie options.
MOIO, Stoke Newington High Street.
This brilliant new restaurant launches their new brunch menu this Mother’s Day. The food is modern European and beautifully presented and there are plenty of meat, fish and veggie options. Their sommelier Carolina Seibel has selected some fabulous wines to accompany your meal! www.moiorestaurant.com
Try something new! This restaurant in Bethnal Green Road serves Burmese food and it’s seriously special. Menu options include delicious fritters and dumplings, tea leaf salad and mains featuring fish, prawns, lamb, tofu and aubergine cooked with flavours such as ginger, lemongrass and chilli.
CHOOSE A CARD OR GIFT
From the silly to the sentimental, owners Heidi and Dominic Early have mastered the art of choosing cards to suit all budgets and tastes. We love their message in a bottle cards (stunning pop-out works of art). Other choices include statement cards like: ‘Mum, you’re one of my favourite parents’ or ‘Thanks for everything. Don’t worry, I promise I’ll put you in the best nursing home.’ Earlybird also stocks nice gifts like yummy chocolates and scented soya candles.
N16 FLOWERS: We love this local flower shop on Stoke Newington Church Street. It’s run by husband and wife team Errol and Oya Adem who have been in the area for decades. The flowers are beautiful and the service as kind and local as you could get.
(Artist @sophiewardstudio Instagram)
EAST END PRINTS, Brick Lane.
This lovely shop stocks fabulous and affordable graphic art prints and limited editions. Choose from over 2,000 prints by more than 70 artists. Local Buyers Club members save 15%
LOVE BROWNIES, Islington.
These hand-baked brownies have won more awards than you can shake a stick at and for good reason. Flavours include double chocolate, Morello cherry, caramel fudge and raspberry and vegan and gluten-free options are available. Find them just off Camden Passage.
If you're looking to buy something really special take a look at NAOMI TRACZ's creations. She's based in North London and hand-makes beautiful & unique jewellery. Local Buyers Club members save 15% at naomitracz.com
EXPERIENCES
Gift a family photoshoot! If our experience is anything to go by, photos of the whole family are few. Sara has a knack for capturing a moment, her photos are natural and fun rather than formal and staged. www.saradalyrmple.co.uk
LAKI KANE RUM MAKING EXPERIENCE, Islington
Book her a place at the Spiced Dry Rum Club. She’ll learn about this history of rum, from the early sugar cane spirit to now and will taste and flavour incredible rum with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, pimento or cardamom and flavours like grapefruit peel, vanilla and kaffir lime. The masterclasses are led by one of London’s foremost rum experts and will come away with a bottle of homemade rum to take home. Local Buyers Club members save 20%.
This place is blooming marvellous (cue ‘bad-pun’ groan). When you’ve stocked up on plants and flowers there are so many gorgeous cafes, restaurants and galleries to enjoy. Lahpet (yummy Burmese food) is just a short walk from here, as is Sood Family at Bottles (amazing Italian food) and Keu (fabulous Vietnamese food).
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