This day comes but once a year and considering everything she does, let’s make it a good one. Here’s Food & Drink Editor Paloma Lacy’s guide to treating your Mum this Mother’s Day…
Right on our doorstep is Merton Abbey Mills – a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of boutiques, craft shops, art galleries and of course places for that all-important pit stop for refreshment.
Whether it’s brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, Merton Abbey Mills has it covered and is the perfect place to spend the day with Mum.
During these difficult times, you can still support your local pubs, restaurants and cafés by ordering through a delivery service.
1. William Morris
Nestled on the banks of the River Wandle, the William Morris pub has an enviable location and attractive views, no matter the weather. The panoramic view from seating on the other side of the bar is nearly as good as an outside spot. This is a traditional pub with a distinctly contemporary feel and a penchant for serving up a cracking Sunday roast.
And Mothering Sunday is no exception. You’ll get change from £20 for a roast and dessert and they’re even throwing in a complimentary glass of Prosecco. Choose between strip loin of beef, chicken, pork belly, and a tasty looking butternut squash, feta and spinach wellington. Why choose the William Morris? It’s relaxed, fun and they serve great wine, too.
William Morris, 20 Watermill Way, Colliers Wood, London SW19 2RD | Available on Deliveroo
2. Wine & Love
Wine & Love has brought some much-needed Italian sparkle to Merton Abbey Mills, with Emanuela and her team at the helm. Casual and very sociable dining is very much the order of the day here. Sharing boards – meat and cheese – make this a good family dining venue, with suggested wine pairings. Or why not treat Mum to oysters and caviar or the whole family to fondue, all with wine pairings? Whichever way you go, it’ll be a different culinary experience that Mum won’t forget in a hurry.
Wine & Love, Watermill Way, Unit 2 The Long Shop, London SW19 2RD | From 22nd March, home delivery will be available to SW19 & SW20 postcodes. This includes grilled focaccia bread stuffed with ham and cheese or with salami and cheese, and for wine. Orders can be placed every day from Wednesday to Sunday by a WhatsApp message on 07477832629 up to 7pm, the delivery will start from 7pm.
3. Megan’s
I love an independent as much as the next person but there remains room for chain, or should I say good chain restaurants. Perhaps the finest example of a London roll out that’s gone exceptionally well, is Megan’s.
You know what you’re getting at whichever restaurant you happen to pitch up to. The menu is on trend, following some of the hottest restaurants, with a leaning towards Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. Expect Turkish baked eggs as part of an all-day breakfast, or lunchtime nibbles, such as halloumi fries dipped in honey, which are beyond delicious. Or there’s more substantial dishes, like Posh Kebabs.
‘What makes them posh?’ I hear you ask. Well, for starters, consumption in daylight hours as part of a sit down meal is a good start. Spicy chicken with peanut dukkah is my personal favourite, served on a flatbread with harissa hummus, pickled veg, aubergine and tomato bayildi & pickled red cabbage.
If you just fancy popping by for a cup of tea and a slice of cake, there’s always plenty to choose from. Fresh every day, you can see what they have displayed at the front counter or the waitress will appear with a tablet to show you what’s been baked that day.
Megan’s, 86 High St, Wimbledon, London SW19 5EG | Available on Deliveroo
4. Sticks ‘n’ Sushi
Two countries united by a love for fish – it makes total sense that Danish and Japanese cuisine work together in fusion harmony.
The inclusion of sticks in the name refers to yakitori sticks from the grill, the sushi part is self-explanatory, with a number of the latter dishes having a decidedly Danish flavour to them.
Founded over 20 years ago by two brothers, the chain is huge in Denmark, with four outposts in London, including Wimbledon.
The small plates menu boasts so many memorable dishes. My favourite is tempura shrimp, chilli, coriander, pepper, miso-aioli & fresh lime. I should tell you it goes above and beyond any other tempura you will have ever tried, with an irresistible bubbly, crispy and crunchy coating.
Other stand-out dishes included; spicy edamame beans and soy cured salmon – topped with red onion, shitake mushrooms, and served with dill & miso dressing – a great example of this fusion cuisine.
I’ve barely scratched the surface of the menu and sushi lovers are bound to be impressed by the scope and variety available, which clearly demonstrates the collective expertise on hand in the kitchen.
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, 58 Wimbledon Hill Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 7PA | Available on Deliveroo
5. Giggling Squid
My Mum’s personal local favourite would have to be Giggling Squid in Wimbledon Village. A staunch vegetarian and self-confessed non-foodie, she eats to live and not the other way round. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve invited her to share a meal and she’s turned me down flatly. This time we made it through the doors and better still, she was back a few weeks later with friends. This is high praise indeed.
An oasis of calm, carefully created by bringing the outside, inside, restaurant styling has been well and truly thought out here. Tables are surrounded by foliage adorning metal partitions, with bold palm print on the walls, employing the most vivid colour scheme.
Little Tapas For Little People – is a quirky range of dishes – choose two for £5.99, which my toddler loved. Chicken satay and vegetable fried rice, with a tofu included, went down very well with my little person.
A near master at feeding herself, she loved the opportunity to dip chicken into the peanut sauce, and this was soon joined by individual spring rolls, each one well and truly dunked.
Mum opted for the vegetarian set menu – Thai green curry, stir fried vegetables, jasmine rice and spring rolls (£10.95), with rave reviews.
Giggling Squid, 26 High Street Wimbledon, Wimbledon, London SW19 5BY | Available on Deliveroo
Written By: Paloma Lacy
Food lover, turned food writer, Paloma has spent the past 10 years in search of the Capital’s finest eateries, reviewing restaurants for a range of publications, including South London Press and London Weekly News. A South London girl at heart, she believes its boroughs boast some memorable dining experiences set to satisfy even the most discerning palate. London is alive with brunch, lunch and dinner choices to suit every pocket, from the humble neighbourhood spot, right through to the starrier end of the market.
Instagram: @Paloma.Lacy
Twitter: @PalomaMeansDove
