Explore Bond Street this Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and, once again, the panic of knowing what on earth to buy is beginning to set in. This year, allow us to make a helpful suggestion: a trip to Bond Street with the family matriarch. At the home of luxury shopping in London, you’ll find everything from fine art and one-of-a-kind jewellery to beautiful attractions and prestigious designer brands, making it a truly foolproof destination for some serious spoiling. Whether you’re starting entirely from scratch or have a few ideas already brewing, enjoy taking inspiration from our curated guide of gifts she’s guaranteed to love.
Gift a scarf from Burberry
Whether it’s cashmere, an alpaca wool blend, mohair or a silk version, it’s tough to find a better-loved fashion staple than the iconic Burberry scarf. Pick from the renowned signature checks, classic monogram prints, eye-catching Burberry motifs and modern graphic lettering, and make somebody’s special day a whole lot more chic.
From £130; 21-23 New Bond Street, London W1S 2RE
Grab coffee at Ralph’s
For an upmarket New York experience without the eye-watering airfare, whisk mum to Ralph’s Coffee to refuel between purchases. Housed at Ralph Lauren’s London flagship store – an opulent Art Deco building with a sumptuous club feel – the venue serves freshly brewed coffee, sweet treats and fresh juices. Why not treat her to her own coffee mug and house blend to enjoy at home later, too?
1 New Bond Street, London W1S 3RL
Soak up some culture at the Royal Academy
Whether it’s the Entangled Pasts exhibition on art, colonialism and change, or the spectacular 11m-high architecture wall display, any art aficionado will appreciate a trip to the Royal Academy this spring for its latest cultural offerings. In fact, why not treat mum to her own Friends membership package, giving her a year’s free, prioritised access to the Academy’s world-class exhibitions, preview days and members’ area?
One-year membership £150; The Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly W1J OBD; royalacademy.org.uk
Sip tea at The Ritz
A universal treat for all ages, tea at The Ritz is exactly as glamorous as one might hope, and with good reason – it’s the only hotel to be awarded a Royal Warrant and its restaurant is Michelin-starred. Afternoon tea is served in the decadent Palm Court with more than 20 types of loose tea to choose from and the most exquisitely presented sandwiches, pastries and cakes – plus an agreeable glass of champagne, naturally.
From £75; 150 Piccadilly, St James's, London W1J 9BR
Pick out a notebook at Smythson
Handbound and packed full of signature blue featherweight paper, a Smythson leather notebook is guaranteed to put you in anyone’s good books. From its understated navy Portobello version to a mood-lifting peony Soho, Smythson is the gold standard of stationery for good reason. Its notebooks promise to be used and loved in equal measure (don’t leave without adding your mother’s initials).
Notebooks from £40; 131-132 New Bond Street, London W1S 2TB
Score some treasure at Bonhams
Nestled in London’s historic arts district, the HQ of world-renowned auctioneer Bonhams (its smaller sister is based in nearby Knightsbridge) is a truly marvellous place to while away a few hours or get caught up in a bidding frenzy. With upcoming lots offering everything from fine carpets and textiles to rare wines, modern art and even motorcycles, who knows what you could end up coming away with…
101 New Bond Street, London W1S 1SR
Gift a blue box at Tiffany & Co.
It’s tough to go wrong with an instantly recognisable and seriously covetable blue box from Tiffany & Co., regardless of what’s actually inside. A trip into the flagship store of this maker of exquisite jewellery is almost as exciting as the purchase itself, but if you really want to spoil mum, we imagine one of the brand’s famed Toggle Bracelets in sterling silver would be a wise place to start.
From £455; 25 Old Bond St, London W1S 4QB
Peruse the rails at Stella McCartney
Known as one of fashion’s most forward-thinking designers, Stella McCartney’s flagship store is an experience like no other, from its air-filtration systems (it’s the ‘cleanest air in London’, FYI) to decorative rocks from the McCartney farm and ‘meditation’ changing rooms. Top of our wish list? A timeless Falabella, AKA the original luxury vegan tote bag (she’ll love it, trust us).
From £540; 23 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4PZ
Order dim sum at Hakkasan
When it comes to dining out, only the very best will do for Mother’s Day. So where else could we recommend but famed Michelin-starred Chinese haunt, Hakkasan? Loved by celebrities the world over, award-winning Hakkasan blends authentic Cantonese recipes and the finest ingredients with contemporary influences – not to mention a seriously innovative cocktail menu – in the most opulent of surroundings. A trip promises to make any meal a true gastronomic delight (but book ahead!).
17 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QB
Catch up on beauty sleep at Claridge’s
Often referred to as the annex to Buckingham Palace, Claridge’s is one of the most prestigious hotels in London. Embodying grand English style, each of its suites has been beautifully designed to make you feel both at home and in paradise. Enjoy a great night's sleep and, if you really feel like pushing the boat out, treat mum to a delicious afternoon tea at The Foyer and Reading Room, a cherished tradition served for over one hundred and fifty years.
Rooms start at £930 per night; Brook Street, London W1K 4HR
Sophie Goddard is a freelance journalist and copywriter, writing for titles including Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Grazia, The Guardian and The Times.