Mum's the word
Boswells
Mon-Sat:
8.00am - 8.00pm
Sun:
9.00am - 7.00pm
8 Russell Street
Covent Garden, London
WC2B 5HZ
GEO:51.5131,-0.120665
Phone: 020 7240 0064
Best for the budget-conscious
If you’re looking for an affordable treat for mum, why not start the day
with tea and a pastry (sourced from the renowned Patisserie Valerie) at
Boswells, close to the Royal Opera House on Russell Street. Steeped in
history, it first opened as a teahouse in 1725 and famous patrons of old
include celebrated London diarists Mr Boswell and Dr Johnson. Then take a
stroll to Covent Garden’s historic Apple Market and make a beeline for the
Pure Juniper stall. Here you’ll find a range of handcrafted Juniper wood
products, at an equally diminutive price – such as their juniper wood
jewellery box for £12.50 – which should prove a perfect Mother’s Day
present.
Best for keeping her sweet
For sweet-toothed mums, look no further than the Market Building’s Candy
Cakes. This is a Santa’s grotto for cake lovers and mums will find
themselves deliberating for ages over the various cupcake toppings and
coffees available. Follow this up by heading somewhere that sells bathroom
goodies which smell and, indeed, look good enough to eat – Lush. Their
beautifully packaged ‘Hatbox’ (£39) is filled with all manner of
bath-based loveliness. In keeping with the ‘sweeties’ theme, swing by
Naïve textiles Art in the Apple Market where you can pick up a cute cupcake
jewellery pincushion (£25). Fashioned from wool and cashmere and filled with
English lavender, it’s the perfect place for mum to hang her favourite
earrings, which can also be purchased at one of the many jewellery traders in
the Apple Market.
Best for beautifying
Covent Garden offers a vast array of options when it comes to pampering.
First up, treat her to a haircut or colour at the renowned Toni & Guy
salon on Henrietta Street. This award-winning hairdressers provides an
affordable, and equally stylish, alternative to London’s block-booked big
name salons. Suitably coiffed, take a trip over to Penhaligons on Wellington
Street where you’ll find pioneering perfumery and an exquisitely wrought
collection of crystal atomizers (£95), perfect for filling with mums
favourite fragrance. Finish the day with a French meal at the renowned Cote
Restaurant on Tavistock Street – its grilled ‘Les Landes’ chicken with
garlic butter (£9.90) is the stuff of foodie dreams.
Best for a fashion overload
The vibrant buzz of Covent Garden’s clothing stores are a siren call to
fashionable women of all ages. Hobbs on the Piazza, has a smart Ferne jacket
(£145) and trousers (£96) combination for those who are looking to splash
out this Mother’s Day. Alternatively, seek out US designer Betsey
Johnson’s popular store on Floral Street where mum can experiment with the
label’s signature eccentric designs. While she’s still reeling from your
generosity, top the new outfit off with a piece of jewellery, courtesy of the
Apple Market’s skilled designer Darrell Whittaker. Peruse his Aladdin’s
Cave of a stall, and pick out a hand-made necklace, earrings, bracelet or
ring.
Best for epicurean excess
With its heady mix of swish eating opportunities, a day in WC2 is a treat for
every discerning palate. For a light lunch, head to Livebait on Wellington
Street, which offers a fish and shellfish extravaganza in an atmosphere of
understated elegance. The Classic Platter for two, with crab, prawns, mussels
and oysters, is a cracking deal at £54.95. After a leisurely walk around the
shops, perhaps picking up some luxury chocs from La Anabela on Tavistock
Street or some delightful sweets from Hope & Greenwood, thoughts will
inevitably turn to dinner. Following lunchtime’s fish feast, we recommend
the celebrated steak and frites (£12.95) at Chez Gerard in the Market
Building, providing the perfect end to a day of splendid eating.
