By Sue Lancaster
It may sound like a cliché, but ever since becoming a mum myself nearly two years ago, I’ve learnt to appreciate all the selfless things my own mother has ever done for me. Having a special day dedicated to mums is great as it offers the ideal opportunity to say thank you. Mother’s Day is coming up very soon, on March 15th, and taking your mum out for lunch is a lovely way to show your gratitude.
If you live in or near southwest London, you are rather spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants. East Sheen is no exception, so I’ve selected a few of my favourites from the area to help you choose. I’ve been to all of them at one time or another and would happily go back to them all.
Sunday lunch at the Victoria
Voted ‘Second Best Modern British Restaurant under £50’ in the Hardens London Restaurant Guide 2013, the Victoria is a great choice for an up-market pub lunch. The Sunday menu offers two courses for £24 or three for £28. Most diners get seated in the large conservatory, which is lovely on a bright day. This friendly pub is very popular among locals and visitors to the area, and is child-friendly too. It’s advisable to book ahead though, as it will be especially busy on Mother’s Day.
Website: www.thevictoria.net
Low-key brunch at Pickle & Rye
Pickle & Rye is an American sandwich shop by Mortlake station. I doubt that a café selling sandwiches and hot drinks is the first place that springs to mind when thinking about a Mother’s Day treat, however the owners are putting on a special brunch to mark the occasion. Given how passionate they are about their standard menu, I’ve no doubt the themed brunch will be just as fresh and tasty. With sandwiches from about £5 to £8, Pickle & Rye is a good option if you’re on a budget, or are on your way out for the afternoon.
Website: www.pickleandrye.com
Italian-style at Mamma Mia
Located on the main road in East Sheen is this little piece of Italy called Mamma Mia (a rather apt name for Mother’s Day, don’t you think?). The family-run restaurant was established back in the ’70s and has been a favourite among locals ever since. The menu is a mixture of pasta and meat dishes, and has everything you’d expect from a traditional Italian. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal and it’s amazingly good value too.
Website: www.mammamiarestaurant.co.uk
Swedish food at Stockholm
For some reason, despite having lived on the same road as it for nearly two years, we’ve only recently discovered Sheen’s Swedish delight that is Stockholm Restaurant & Deli. As the name suggests, Stockholm’s menu is typically Scandinavian with offerings such as herrings, Swedish meatballs and reindeer burger (I wasn’t adventurous enough to try any of these and opted for the very delicious salmon fishcakes instead). Mains are in the £10 to £12 range. Apparently there aren’t any other Swedish restaurants like this one in London, so if you want to treat your mum to something a little bit different, then it’s definitely worth trying.
Website: www.stockholmdeli.co.uk
Persian cuisine at Faanoos
After hearing a glowing recommendation from a friend, we recently went to Faanoos Restaurant for lunch and were not disappointed. It was an extremely pleasant experience from start to finish and the food, priced around £7 to £10, was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend it for Mother’s Day, especially the dish I chose, marinated grilled fillet of lamb with saffron rice and tomato—the lamb was succulent and the rice fluffy and light. The freshly baked Persian bread (baked there and then in the clay oven) is a definite must too.
Website: www.faanoosrestaurant.com
Tapas at the Tapestry
This is a firm favourite of ours and we’ve been for lunch many times. The Tapestry Bar and Restaurant serves all the Spanish favourites such as tortilla, pan-fried chorizo and patatas bravas. The prices range from about £5 to £6 and the portion sizes are very generous. There are main meal choices too if you don’t fancy having a little bit of everything. The atmosphere during the day is calm and relaxed—perfect for a special Mother’s Day treat.
Website: www.tapestrybar.co.uk
A hearty roast at the Hare & Hounds
Located on the busy Upper Richmond Road, the Hare & Hounds is perfectly placed to dive into after a spot of shopping or a walk in Richmond Park. The menu offers a choice of delicious lunches (mains for £11 to £13) including hearty Sunday roasts. The pub has a huge garden out the back, which is fantastic if it’s a warm day (fingers crossed). It’s a great place for the family to enjoy Sunday lunch together.
Website: www.youngs.co.uk/pubs/hare-and-hounds
About the author:
An Essex girl, Sue came to London 12 years ago and never left. She moved to West Kensington with her now-husband, then spent a couple of years living in Stamford Brook, before finally settling down in Mortlake. Prior to becoming a mum, Sue worked in TV production. She now stays at home, looking after toddler Tabitha and writing whenever she can.
