This Week We Love Mothers, our newsletter is all about Mothers, do look at our Home Page, This Month We Love, where you will see a fabulous collection of gifts and surprises for your mothers.

We have selections from Apostle, OSKIA, Ormonde Jayne, TenPilates, Hotel Chocolat, CocoonU, The Handpicked Collection, Coulson Macleod, Primrose & Plum, Funky Olive, and many more, including special discounts.

www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com

See below for many more ideas too!

A BOUQUET FOR MOTHER’S DAY
Disney marks the occasion with beautiful blooms

Bring the Disney magic to Mother’s Day this year with a beautiful new range
of floral gifts, to treat mums on this special day. The fresh flowers with a
Disney twist are available at Tesco stores across the UK and are sure to
bring a smile to the face of Disney-loving mums this April.

The Disney Bouquet (£6) contains a gorgeous array of blooms including roses, chrysanthemums and carnations, adorned with palm foliage and nestled within wrapping featuring the ever-popular Minnie Mouse.

The Mother’s Day Disney Gift Boxes are available in two sizes, both containing a delightful Minnie Mouse plush toy alongside a fragrant floral arrangement. The small box (£15) includes cerise roses and soft pink spray carnations, while the larger size (£20) combines pink roses with carnation blooms.

Ahead of Mother’s Day, this year falling late on April 3rd, Janina Maciejewska, Toys and Stationery Category Manager at Disney commented: “Mother’s Day is obviously the perfect opportunity for children to say thank you to their wonderful mums. Nothing says it better than flowers and these affordable, beautiful and colourful blooms are a lovely way to mark the occasion.”

CELEBRATE YOUR MUM’S UNIQUENESS WITH PIPER?HEIDSIECK RARE VINTAGE 2002 THIS MOTHER’S DAY

Released late last year, Piper?Heidsieck’s latest Rare vintage from 2002, is the perfect way to make your mother feel appreciated and special this Mother’s Day.

2002 is the eighth vintage of Rare ever to be released by the multi-award winning house of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck, the preceding vintages being: 1976, 1979, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1998 (in magnum only) and 1999.

Rare vintage is the result of the know?how and creativity of a winemaker, Régis Camus, with a talent and ability for successfully taking nature's variable conditions and using them to produce a genuine masterpiece.

Camus and his team select the grapes that have reached their optimal maturity to allow them to compose an original blend, rich in its nuances Piper-Heidsieck vinifies the musts separately, cru by cru, based on where the grapes have been grown, this is the only way to preserve and respect the typicity of the origins.

Rare is a dazzling and impressive wine born out of Camus’ inspiration. He bets on the special character of a particular year tormented by nature when the fruit of the terroir (land) have been exposed to the elements, Rare 2002 contains a complex mineral composition that is extremely pure.

Rare 2002 is a refined wine with a fresh and delicate texture reminiscent of silk. Camus’ instinct and talent in creating the Rare 2002 vintage have already been recognised the world over having received more than five international awards since 2010.

Rare vintage 2002

To the eye:
A sparkling pale gold, with green hues. A discreet, vivacious but refined effervescence.

To the nose:
At first a floral impression followed by honeysuckle, iris and complex jasmine.

Notes of vetiver and exotic woods, of minerals, followed by hints of pepper, and spices such as ginger, cumin and liquorice. The aromas reveal themselves gradually, with a more intimate, oriental finale, with fragrances of herbal teas, mint tea, verbena, linden with a touch of honey, enhanced by incense.

To the palate:
A radiant and refined, elegant wine. The liquid is feather?like but rich and dense. Impressions of warm and dry desert plains followed by a long, delicate finale on notes such as chocolate and tobacco.

Rare Vintage 2002 awards:
Best Champagne 2011 – FINE Champagne magazine
Best Champagne trophy – Japan wine challenge 2010
Score 95/100 – Wine Spectator 2010
Gold medal – Decanter 2010
Gold medal – IWC 2010

Piper-Heidsieck Rare Vintage 2002 – RRP: £109.00.
Available from all good wine retailers.

UNUSUAL, BEAUTIFUL AND STYLISH GIFTS FOR MOTHER'S DAY

If you’re stuck for inspiration for Mothering Sunday (3 April 2011), The Conran Shop has everything you need to give your mother a pampering and luxury treat whatever your budget with complimentary gift wrapping on all items in store. Our top picks are:

£10 - £25:

20 rose soap set by De Laurier: Heavenly soap confetti roses. You can leave them floating in the bathtub while filling and they will foam gently or use them to fragrance and decorate your bathroom. Alternatively you can use one petal at a time as small guest soaps: £12.95

Claus Porto Soaps: The former Portuguese royal family were once customers of Claus Porto, and the soaps are still produced today using recipes almost a century old. Made with only the finest ingredients and wrapped in traditional packaging using designs from the factory archives. From £9.95

Mor range: Italian Blood Orange Soap, candle, body wash and Body Lotion: Mor is an Australian brand producing exquisitely packaged and indulgent products that make wonderful gifts. Blood orange has notes of orange, apple, peach, pineapple and pear and ruby red in colour. The body wash makes a beautiful bathroom hand wash: From £9.95

Venezia Food and Dreams Book: A deliciously enticing book that is evocative and beautiful to look at. The ideal coffee table tome. £25

Hammam towels from Turkey: Exclusive to Conran, extremely soft, luxurious and beautiful Hammam towels are highly absorbent and lightweight. Perfect for travel, in your home as they wash and dry quickly and take up a small amount of space. They will banish the need for traditional bulky towels. £12.95

Scottish Au Lait Milk beauty range: Scottish fine soaps blend the essential elements of Scotland with ethically sourced ingredients from around the world. Organic milk and pure Scottish water are the basis of the range. Softly cleansing milk soap enhanced with milk glycerides will gently nourish your skin helping it to remain healthy, supple and smooth. From £2.95

£30 - £100:

Exclusive to Conran - Edinburgh Weavers cushions: Beautiful painterly floral cushions look wonderful layered with Vintage pieces and are still produced in the original: £39

Pink Paisley Kimono - Luxuriously soft, this wonderfully vibrant pink kimono will ensure you look good as well as being warm and comfortable. Each kimono comes in a range of colours and includes its own bag and slippers. £79

Vintage French apothecary bottles: In a variety of sizes that will add interest and feminine glamour to any bathroom as well as practical storage solutions for a range of potions. From £35

Mor tea cup candle: Wonderfully kitch candle presented in keepsake decorative tea cup embellished with 24 carat gold. Makes an ideal gift with a pretty feminine fragrance of vanilla musk mixed with jasmine flower. £49

£100 and above:

Striped Alpaca Throws: Made from Peruvian Alpaca wool, this wonderfully vibrant alpaca throw will be a great addition to any room. Designed in Southern Ireland and created in Peru. £195

Marilyn Trunk: A new Marilyn Trunk, exclusive to Conran with an air of twenties sophistication this wonderfully feminine piece is the new ultimate dressing table, with plenty of storage for jewels, perfumes, poems and of course a hidden apartment. £2,395

Boxed Framed Butterflies: Created from original, vintage maps, plans and charts from across the globe each piece is a unique one-off and would make a stunning addition to any wall. £1,695

How to buy: Visit the Conran Shop website: www.conranshop.co.uk

NEW FOR MOTHER’S DAY: BEAUTIFUL FLORAL FRAGRANCE COLLECTION GIFT SETS

Crabtree & Evelyn’s new Floral Fragrance Collection offers a range of charming, colourful gifts for Mother’s Day.
Choose from Lavender, Lily, and the classic Rosewater for the perfect present. Each fragrance has a delightful gift selection, presented in beautiful bags decorated with an on trend, whimsical floral print. Select your Mother’s Day gift from our suggestions below:

Rosewater Vanity Case: A Luxurious Gift for the Elegant Mum: £32
A timeless scent inspired by the centifolia ‘hundred petalled’ rose.
A charming, fabric covered vanity case containing the Rosewater fragrance and body collection.
Contains:
30ml EDT 245 ml bath and shower gel 245 ml body lotion 100g body cream

Lavender Duo: A Pretty Gift for the Nature-Loving Mum: £20
Luxuriously fragrant Lavender Bath & Shower Gel and moisturising Body Lotion beautifully packaged in a printed box.
Contains:
30ml EDT 245 ml bath and shower gel 245 ml body lotion 100g body cream

Lily Little Luxuries: A Dainty Travel Set for the Jetsetting Mum: £12
This lovely zippered tote contains three travel sized Lily favourites. Perfect for a weekend away.
Contains:
Lily Body Lotion (50mL) Lily Bath & Shower Gel (50mL) Lily Body Cream (30g)

Mother’s Day is the time to show how much you care. Make it even more special this year with a gift from Crabtree & Evelyn.

TIME TO TREAT MUM WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST

We may have been celebrating Mother’s Day since the 1600s with chocolates and flowers being the much-favoured gifts, but this year why not give mum what she really wants – some precious time to unwind and a treat or two to really spoil her.

From Victorian high tea and seasonal cooked lunches to making plant pot gifts and floral button holes, show mum just how special she is on a day out with the National Trust.

Here’s just a few Mother’s Day treats for inspiration:

Lyme Park, Cheshire
Marvellous Mums, 2 April 1pm – 3pm
Decorate a porcelain plant pot and make a card – the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Take a family stroll around this magnificent estate, with sweeping views of the wild moorland.
Children of all ages welcome.
Garden admission applies, plus £5 per child for craft activities.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01663 762023.

Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire
Get ready for Mothering Sunday, 2 April 11am – 3pm
Make mum's day by crafting her a special hand-made gift and card. Use fabulous ‘fantasy film’ to create a delicate flower model, then hunt around the gardens for spring flowers to sketch with chalks and black paper to make a great card for mum.
Normal admission charges apply, there are no additional activity charges.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01249 730459.

Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire
Decorate cakes for Mothering Sunday, 2 April 10am, 11am & noon sessions
Stuck for a gift this Mothering Sunday? Get expert tuition to decorate and personalise four cup cakes – a tasty present to take home to mum.
All tickets £6 (includes all ingredients and tuition).
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01582 500920.

Wordsworth House and Garden, Cumbria
Listen with Mother, 2-3 April 11am – 3pm
Hear about William Wordsworth's childhood memories of his beloved mother and make a lavender bag to give to mum. Explore Wordsworth’s beloved garden, which inspired many of his later poems.
Normal admission charges apply, there are no additional charges for the lavender bag.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01900 824805.

Croome, Worcestershire
Marvellous Mother's Day weekend, 2-3 April 11am – 3pm
Make and take home a craft for mum, then treat her to a lunch or afternoon tea as well.
Normal admission charges apply, plus an additional £1.50 for craft activity.
Booking is required for lunch and afternoon tea, please call 01905 371789.

Wallington, Northumberland
Make things with mum, 2-3 April 11am – 4pm
Make mum feel really special by making lovely crafts and flower decorations with her at Wallington, an impressive house with a magnificent interior and fine collections. All mums will also receive a gift.
Children need to be accompanied by an adult.
Normal admission charges apply, plus a charge of up to £3 for craft materials. Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01670 773600.

Peckover House and Garden, Cambridgeshire
Mothering Sunday Afternoon Tea, 3 April 2pm – 4.30pm
A special high tea is available in the Reed Barn tea room, in the attractive setting of this Victorian garden.
Normal admission charges apply, plus £8 per adult and £6 per child for high tea.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01945 583463.

Trengwainton Garden, Cornwall
Mothering Sunday, 3 April 11am – 3pm
Make a floral button hole in the garden to give to mum and then take her for a treat in the award-winning tea room.
Normal admission charges apply, there is no additional charge for the button hole.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01736 363148.

Cragside, Northumberland
Mother’s Day Victorian High Tea, 3 April 2pm – 4pm
Treat mum to something special at Cragside with high tea as a Victorian lady would have had in the home of Victorian inventor and landscape genius – Lord Armstrong.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01669 622038.

Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum, Devon
Mothering Sunday Treat, 3 April 11am – 3pm
Have fun making Mother’s Day gifts at crafty workshops for mums and kids. There will also be a special Mother’s Day offer of one free scone with every cream tea for two purchased.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01271 850296.

Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire
Mother's Day, 3 April 11am – 4pm
Give mum a special treat this year and bring her to Canons for a lovely Sunday lunch. Have fun making a ‘tussy mussy’ (a Victorian style posy) and decorate a gift label for her.
Normal admission charges apply, there are no additional charges for the craft activity.
Booking is advisable for the Sunday lunch, please call 01327 861905.

Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate, Cheshire
Make Mother's Day, 3 April 11am – 4pm
Spoil mum on her special day by bringing her for a delicious three-course lunch. There’s a homemade treat for every mum and the shop will be open for extra spoiling.
Normal admission charges apply, plus £18.50 per adult for three-course lunch.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01625 445845.

Knightshayes Court, Devon
Mothering Sunday high tea, 3 April 3pm – 4.30pm
Mother's Day high tea served in the stables restaurant of this fine Gothic house.
All tickets £6.95.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01884 259416.

Florence Court, Co Fermanagh
Mother’s Day Tours, 3 April 11am –5pm
Make your mother’s day magical with a visit to Florence Court. Treat mum to a home cooked lunch in the Stables tea-room followed by a special house tour, ‘Upstairs dramas and downstairs tales’.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 028 6634 8249

Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Mother's Day Treat, 3 April 11.30am – 2.30pm
It's time to spoil mum with a lovely day out at Bodiam. Take a stroll around the castle and grounds and enjoy a delicious two-course lunch in the Terrace Room. A trio of musicians from 'Portcullis' will be dropping by during lunch to entertain the whole family with their medieval music. Sons and daughters can also purchase a gift voucher for mum so that she can treat herself to something special from the shop.
All tickets £25 (includes castle admission and car park fee). Gift vouchers are available at an additional charge in multiples of £5.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01580 830074.

Plas Newydd Country House and Gardens, Anglesey
Mother’s Day, 3 April 11am – 5pm
There will be special discounts for mothers in Whistler’s restaurant and the coffee shop as well as a special ‘mothers go free’ boat trip offer.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01248 714795.

Clandon Park, Surrey
Flowering Sunday, 3 April 12pm – 4pm
Drop by and make a small bouquet for mum to take home, with help from Clandon’s dedicated team of flower arrangers.
Suitable for all ages.
Normal admission charges apply, there are no additional event charges.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01483 222482.

Mount Stewart House, Garden and Temple of the Winds, Co. Down
Mum's the Word, 3 April 12.30pm – 3pm
Enjoy a special three-course lunch in the Bay restaurant followed by a leisurely stroll around the beautiful gardens, which boast a rich tapestry of design and great planting artistry.
Adult £30, Child £10.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 028 4278 780.

Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire
Make Mum's Day, 3 April 10am – 5.30pm
Make a beautiful paper posy for mum and find out about the Victorian language of flowers in the home of Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli.
Normal admission charges apply, there are no additional charges for the paper posy.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01494 755573.

Polesden Lacey, Surrey
Mother’s Day lunches, 3 April 12pm, 12.30pm and 1pm sittings
This Mother's Day, treat mum to a waitress served three-course Sunday lunch in the Courtyard restaurant of this exceptional estate.
Adult £27.50. Please be aware that normal admission charges apply to enter the house and gardens during the visit.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01372 452048.

MOTHERS EAT FOR FREE AT GILGAMESH THIS MOTHER'S DAY!
Acclaimed Pan-Asian restaurant Gilgamesh is welcoming mothers on Mother’s Day with a very special treat.

On Sunday 3rd April mothers will receive their entire meal on a complimentary basis, allowing devoted offspring to spoil them in an extremely economical way! The only rules are that only one mother can eat free and bookings must be for four or more.

Mothers can enjoy a delicious three-course meal for free, while their guests can dine for a reasonable £32.50 per person. The set menu includes Prawn with Creamy Spicy Inside Out Sushi Rolls, Char Siew Pork Cheung Fun, Lamb Shank Mussamon and Miso Roasted Salmon with Wild Garlic Cauliflower and Wasabi Puree. Mums can round off their perfect meal with a delectable Chocolate Cake with Chocolate and lemongrass sauce & served with Caramel ice cream, created by renowned Head Chef Ian Pengelley.

The menu is available throughout the day on Sunday 3rd April.

So go on, spoil your Mum and bring her to Gilgamesh this Mother’s Day.

GILGAMESH
Camden View
Camden Stables Market
Chalk Farm Road
London NW1 8AH
020 7 482 5757
www.gilgameshbar.com

A UNIQUE MOTHER'S DAY PAMPERING BOX FROM FENG SUSHI
Feng Sushi are offering a luxury pampering box which contains a fresh sushi meal plus bath treats for a very indulgent Mother’s Day experience. It can be ordered online and delivered to anywhere in the catchment areas, or picked up at any of the six Feng Sushi stores: Borough Market, Chalk Farm, South Bank Centre, Notting Hill Gate, Kensington and Fulham.

The box is available for £14.95 and contains the following:
· Brown Rice Soft Shell Crab Roll

· Loch Duart Salmon Tataki

· X-Ray Salad (made with peppers, pomegranate, edamame,
avocado, chives & Feng salad dressing)

· Black Sesame Macaroon

· Chocolate Mochi

· Bath Salts

· Scented Candle

MOTHERING SUNDAY & EASTER EVENTS IN THE SOUTH EAST

2nd- 3rd April: Florimania: Myths and Legends, Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
Indulge your Mum by taking her to see the beautiful flower arrangements by the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies in Mary II's Apartments at Hampton Court Palace. This year’s theme is myths and legends; there will also be flower-arranging demonstrations throughout the day. Entry into Hampton Court Palace costs from £16 per adult and £8 per child, for more information visit www.visitthames.co.uk <http://www.visitthames.co.uk/> .

2nd – 17th April: Easter Pottery Making, Chessell Pottery, Isle of Wight
If you fancy something a little bit different, why not create-your-own Easter mug? Decorate your half mug, and once it’s been glazed and fired, stop by the ‘Creation Station’ to finish it off with a complimentary chocolate egg, cellophane and ribbons. Studio fee costs from £5.50 per person (not per item) and covers all materials, demonstration, glazing and firing of all items decorated that session. For more information visit www.visitwight.co.uk. A return ferry crossing with Wightlink costs from £12 per person, for more information visit www.wightlink.co.uk.

2nd - 3rd April: ‘Spirit of the 1940s’ at Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, Gosport
Re-create the atmosphere of those momentous war years in a weekend of living history; with a hundred re-enactors onsite over the weekend, the atmospheric historic buildings really will be coming back to life. Highlights of the day include twice-daily demonstrations. Entry costs from £10 per adult and £5 per child, for more information visit www.explosion.org.uk.

3rd April: Mother’s Day at Crowne Plaza Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Treat your Mum to the very best this Mother’s Day at Crowne Plaza Marlow, with a delicious three course Sunday lunch menu. Every Mum will also receive a free day pass to Quad Club, the state-of-the-art gym, sauna and pool at the hotel. Lunch costs from £28.95 per adult and £14.50 per child, under 3s eat free. For more information visit www.crowneplazamarlow.co.uk.

9th - 25th April: Hare-Brained Easter Trail, Beaulieu
Visitors to Beaulieu can take part in the Easter Trail; hunt for hares, answer the clues and collect the sweet treats at the end. You’d be hopping –mad to miss it. Entry costs from £16.50 per adult and £8.75 child, for further information visit: www.beaulieu.co.uk

10th April: Countryside Raceday, Ascot
There will be a charity race at 12pm where Masters of the Hunt will go head to head to be crowned Champion of the Track. Off the track there will be fun for all the family with a wide variety of countryside inspired activities. There will also be the chance for race-goers to participate in crazy golf, climbing activities and quad biking. Entry costs from £17 per person and under 17 year-olds enter for free, for more information please visit www.ascot.co.uk .

22nd - 25th April: Easter Bonnet Parade, The Steam Railway, Isle of Wight
The Steam Railway is will be hosting an Easter Treasure Hunt with colouring and crafts from Good Friday 22nd April to Easter Monday 25th April. Come along in your Easter bonnet for the parade, which takes place at 1.45pm each day. Steam train fares start from £9.50 per adults and £5 per child, for more information visit www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk

23rd - 24th April: Easter Trails at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth
Help solve the nautical themed Easter clues and find the hidden Easter Bunnies to receive a prize for your Easter egg detective work. Entry costs from £19.90 per adult and £14.30 per child, for more information visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk

Get away from only £33.60 per person, per night
When you stay at one of the four-star Four Pillars Hotels this April or May, the longer you stay, the less you pay! Rates start from just £33.60 per person, per night and children stay and eat for FREE. Further details of this offer, including pricing and booking information can be found at http://www.four-pillars.co.uk/half-term-breaks-_229/

TREAT YOUR MUM THIS MOTHER’S DAY…WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THE LOWRY OUTLET MALL!

Spoil your Mum this Mother’s Day and treat her to a gift she will cherish forever. There’s lots of great gift ideas at the Lowry Outlet Mall, and something to suit all budgets and tastes too!

For those Mums with a sweet tooth, treat her to the Milk Chocolate Plaque and Heart Chocolates from Thorntons. For just £5.99, this delicious chocolate gift can be personalised with your own very special message for Mum too!

Give Mum a gift she can relax and undwind with. There’s no better way do this than a candle lit bubble bath! Molton Brown have a fantastic Mother’s Day fragrance offer; buy any fragrance for £46 and get the foam bath for free! Plus, all Molton Brown Christmas Gift Sets are now half price too! Finish the experience off with a Wax Lyrical Scented Candle – choose from a range of luscious scents, at the Wax Lyrical Outlet, including ‘Baking Day’, ‘Blissful Sundays’, ‘Cottage Garden’, ‘Daydream’, and ‘In the Park’, £12.60 (RRP £18.00).

Treat Mum to a cuppa this Mother’s Day. Tea lovers will just love the Whitard of Chelsea’s Sweethearts Tea Set with Silver Heart Infuser, £8.00 (RRP £9.99), infused with strawberry, it’s irresistable! Complete the gift with a Sweetheart Tea Pot for just £9.00 (RRP £15.00), and a Sweetheart Tea Cup and Saucer for £2.50, (RRP £5.00).

Alternatively, if your Mum enjoys baking, then she will love this 6 piece Viners Electric Pink Bakeware Set from @Home. Not only will you have brightened up Mum’s kitchen but you’ll also be donating towards the Breast Cancer Awareness Chaity. Bakeware set now only £21.00 (RRP £30.00) with £1.50 being donated to the charity.

For more information visit www.lowryoutletmall.com or follow us on Twitter @lowryoutletmall

MOTHER'S DAY DELIGHTS AT BRASSERIE JOEL

Mother’s Day Delights at Brasserie Joel

Treat your favourite lady this Mother’s Day with a three course Sunday Brunch Menu at Brasserie Joël and your Mum will receive a complimentary gift from the Westminster Park Plaza’s newly opened Mandara Spa and a 15% discount voucher for a treatment of her choice. Located on the first floor of the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, Brasserie Joël offers a delicious range of Sunday lunch dishes created by acclaimed chef Joël Antunes.

Sunday Brunch is the perfect way for families and friends to spend quality time together after a busy week at work with Brasserie Joël catering for all ages including half price portions for children under twelve. Starters on the menu range from French onion soup and chicken liver parfait with homemade bread whilst main courses offer traditional fish pie or a large dish for the whole family to share, such as a whole roast chicken with lemon, rosemary, roast baby potatoes and garlic confit. Also available is the roast Scottish beef with all the trimmings. Delicious desserts include floating island with salted caramel or lemon tart with chocolate sauce.

The Mandara Spa at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London is the first Mandara Spa in Europe. Mum can use her voucher to enjoy a treatment in one of the spa’s nine luxurious treatment rooms or on a manicure or pedicure. Alternatively the Spa Boutique offers a beautiful range of products and accessories from the new Mandara Spa range and luxury British spa and skincare brand, Elemis, as well as best-sellers from Bliss.

Located on the vibrant South Bank opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London is only steps from the city’s most iconic attractions including the London Eye, London Aquarium and Royal Festival Hall. Spacious guest rooms, which include 54 suites and penthouses, provide a host of boutique touches alongside thoughtful amenities. Distinctive dining options include Brasserie Joël created by renowned Chef Joël Antunes, Ichi Sushi and Sashimi Bar, espressamente illy coffee bar and for cocktails, the stylish Primo Bar. The new Balinese -inspired Mandara Spa offers a full complement of relaxing treatments including facials by Elemis and nail services and waxing by Bliss. In addition to its 1,200 square-metre, pillar-free Westminster Ballroom and 31 additional meeting rooms, the hotel features an Atrium Executive Lounge, Wi-Fi throughout, and a fitness centre complete with 15-metre swimming pool. For information or reservations, visit www.parkplaza.com/westminsterbridge

Sunday lunch from £29.95 for three courses. Half-price, child-sized portions are available for children under 12 years old.

For reservations please visit www.brasseriejoel.co.uk or call 0207 620 7272

OTHER MOTHER”S DAY IDEAS

The Bertinet Kitchen
Surprise your mum with a place on a class taking place in March and receive a FREE Bertinet Kitchen apron and presentation gift voucher. Classes available from £145. To take advantage of this offer simply type “With love to my Mum” into the Additional Information box on checkout and The Bertinet Kitchen will do the rest, despatching your gift voucher and gift to your address by 1st class post on the next working day. Available for new bookings only on classes taking place in April and May 2011 (subject to availability) purchased on or before 3rd April 2011, while stocks last. For further terms & conditions please visit
www.bertinet.com

A stylish Sunday lunch in foodie Marylebone
Those enjoying Marylebone’s eclectic shopping on Mother’s Day can stop off for refreshments at neighbourhood favourite Orrery, which is offering an exquisite Mother's Day menu at £40 for four courses. Choices include seafood tortellini with lobster bisque, Périgord truffle risotto and vanilla and mascarpone crème brulee with blackberry sorbet.
www.orrery-restaurant.co.uk

Mums dine half price at The Modern Pantry
Fusion favourite The Modern Pantry in Clerkenwell is offering a three course lunch for £23.50 and Mums can dine at half price – just £11.75. Diners can choose from a range of tempting dishes in Anna Hansen’s signature style, such as chorizo and water chestnut sticky rice balls with tahini moroni miso cream; sage and garlic marinated loin of pork with green pepper relish and shiso sorbet.
www.themodernpantry.co.uk

Make a day of it with Peyton and Byrne and The Royal Academy of Arts
A fantastic package for art lovers. For just £24 booked in advance, visitors can enjoy a classic afternoon tea consisting of a glass of Prosecco, a choice of Peyton and Byrne tea, homemade finger sandwiches and cakes with a buttermilk scone, Cornish clotted cream and jam, a potted plant plus a ticket to Watteau: The Drawings. This is the first ever retrospective of of the drawings of Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684–1721) to be held in the UK.

www.peytonandbyrne.co.uk

Cook your Mum a restaurant quality meal at home in five minutes

Those relaxing at home this Mother’s Day can serve up delicious Italian venison tortelloni or butternut squash tortelli from the Fresh Pasta Company, available from Ocado (www.ocado.com ) and in selected Waitrose. They cook in just five minutes, leaving more time for catching up!

www.thefreshpastacompany.co.uk

New Phaidon title published just in time for a Mother’s Day gift

Tuscany (Hardback, £24,95, March 2011) is out on April 1st and features 50 authentic recipes from the tables of this much loved region, alongside specially commissioned photography of the Italian landscape and products. The book also includes detailed information about traditional Tuscan ingredients, producers, food markets and speciality stores. www.phaidon.co.uk

Seasonal Mother’s Day Menu at The Olde Bell

Modern day coaching inn, The Olde Bell, based in the pretty village of Hurley in Berkshire, will be offering diners a special seasonal lunch this Mother’s Day. Using the finest locally sourced ingredients, prepared by their new kitchen team, the set lunch will be priced at £27.50 for two courses and £32.50 for three courses with five options per course to choose from. The inn which dates back to the 12th century also has 50 fabulous bedrooms created by Ilse Crawford for guests to stay in. www.theoldebell.co.uk

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a Thali Platter Menu at Benares
Atul Kochhar’s Michelin starred Indian restaurant, Benares, will offering diners a special Thali Platter Menu to celebrate Mother’s Day next month. Choose from a selection of meat, seafood and vegetable platters with options including spiced rabbit skewer, tandoori sea bass and berry chutney. The special menus will be priced at £30 for two courses and £35 for three courses per person and will also include a special mother’s day cocktail. www.benaresrestaurant.com

For cultural Mums, enjoy lunch at the Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room
Why not treat your Mum to lunch and an afternoon at the Whitechapel Gallery this Mother’s Day. Diners can enjoy two courses for £21.50 or three for £25.00 and select from an array of dishes including goat’s cheese roulade, rocket salad with pesto dressing, fillets of pan-fried lemon sole, brown shrimp and caper butter and bitter chocolate pot. The Dining Room has recently been taken over by Smart Hospitality who have enlisted the expertise of chef Angela Hartnett to oversee the menus.
www.whitechapelgallery.org/dining-room

Make Mother’s Day a highlight at Paramount
Opening especially for Sunday, Paramount restaurant and bar (Centre Point, 101–103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DD) will be celebrating Mother’s Day on 3rd April with a seasonal menu cooked by head chef Colin Layfield. Occupying the top three floors of one of the city’s most iconic buildings, Centre Point, mothers can enjoy stunning 360 degrees views whilst also feasting upon dishes such as coddled egg, asparagus, pancetta and hollandaise, followed by grilled lemon sole, turbot or pork belly. The lunch menu will be available from 12pm-6pm for £35.00 per head.

http://www.paramount.uk.net/

Mother's day dream!
The five star luxury PennyHill Park Hotel and the Spa is offering a dream package for mums this Mother’s Day. The package includes a peaceful night’s sleep with PennyHill Park’s comfortable handmade mattresses, a restful morning whilst the children are entertained, a hour’s treatment at the spa with full access to all the facilities (from £470). http://www.pennyhillpark.co.uk/

Cocomaya
If you’re looking to treat mum this year then head to Cocomaya. The artisan baker and fine chocolatier based in Connaught Village has recently opened in Pavillion Rd, Sloane Square and is the perfect place to take mum for a decadent high tea with finger sandwiches, scones with homemade jams, cakes and pastries accompanied by a selection of teas and finished off with handmade chocolates and truffles. Alternatively take the Cocomaya experience home with you with either a colourful box of chocolates or something sweet from the bakery baked fresh every morning using seasonal ingredients.
www.cocomaya.co.uk

ENJOY A DAY OF FASHION, FINE DINING AND FRIVOLITY AT CANARY WHARF THIS MOTHER'S DAY

Canary Wharf is the perfect choice for a doting son or daughter to spoil their mother this Mother’s Day.

This vibrant and iconic destination offers everything from indulgent beauty treatments, fine dining, the best brands in fashion and some of the world’s best public art. This year it has made rewarding mum easy with the Canary Wharf Mother’s Day Package.

Start the day with an exhilarating trip down the Thames aboard the Thames Clipper river boat and enjoy unique views of London’s landmarks over a glass of bubbly. On arrival, take time to explore the award-winning art collection (use a map of the striking sculptures to plan the route) or discover some of the 200 fantastic shops, bars or cafes.

To round-off a morning of indulgence, enjoy a lingering lunch at one of Canary Wharf’s most prestigious restaurants - Quadrato at Four Seasons. A beautiful bouquet from Brown’s Florist will be presented on arrival, followed by a decadent afternoon enjoying a delicious six-course tasting menu, personally prepared by the Head Chef, featuring a number of his signature dishes and a glass of Prosecco.

The package costs £153 for two people (including boat trip with champagne, deluxe mother’s day bouquet and six course tasting menu with a glass of prosecco – please see below for full details and booking details).

Meanwhile, fashion-conscious mothers with an eye for style should head to Canary Wharf’s shopping malls for the Spring/Summer Fashion Weekend (Friday 1 – Sunday 3 April 2011).

The famous business and shopping district will be transformed into a hub of chic sophistication with fashion shows featuring the latest trends from Canary Wharf’s best brands, style advice from leading fashion experts and in-store discounts from the likes of Aspinal of London, Dune, Hobbs, Jaeger London, LK Bennett, Phase Eight, Karen Millen, Myla and Reiss.

Other Mother’s Day specials at Canary Wharf this April include The White Company offering 15% off its range of gorgeous gifts, linens, tablewear and home furnishings, complete with complimentary expert gift wrapping service. Molten Brown offers a free bath and shower gel worth £17.50 to those who spend £40 or more on their deserving mother and O Spa London offers an array of pampering possibilities, with 20% off all treatments from Friday 1 – Sunday 3 April 2011.

PERFECT MOTHER’S DAY GIFT FOR THE WOMAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING (INCLUDING A HOUSE).

Chix&Mortar course, Isleworth, 2-3 April 2011

Home improvement course provider Chix&Mortar is running a DIY course for women on Mother’s Day weekend. Gift vouchers can be purchased on the website and make the perfect Mothering Sunday gift. Chix&Mortar’s next DIY training course will be held in Isleworth, West London in April. Attendees will learn how to decorate their houses and to address small household maintenance problems.

Courses teach everything from painting, wallpapering and tiling techniques to general household maintenance jobs and tricks of the trade. Apart from learning the basic skills, attendees will receive expert advice and tips on buying the right tools as well as handling contractors to secure the most efficient outcome.

The courses have been running for two years now and either one or two day courses can be purchased. All courses are held in relaxed environments with refreshments, builders' tea, overalls and course notes provided. Bookings or gift vouchers can be purchased at www.chixandmortar.com. Chix&Mortar promises attendees a fun and useful weekend.

· Established in 2009, Chix&Mortar courses teach the DIY skills that women say they want to learn and helps them to maintain and decorate their own homes.
· One or two day courses can be purchased. The next course will be held at the Thistleworth Lawn Tennis Club, Isleworth, on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 April.
· The following course will run on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire.
· Prices are £99 for one day or £199 for both days.

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