Jump to main content
British Airways logoHigh Life logoHigh Life logo
A colourful afternoon tea at Betty's

Ten ravishing restaurants to book for Mother’s Day this year

Whether it’s afternoon tea, cocktails or a standout Sunday lunch, here’s how – and where – to spoil the mother figure in your life

01/03/2024

“A wee pot of mussels” at Iasg, Glasgow; Iasg interior

GLASGOW

For spectacular seafood: Iasg

Set in the five-star Kimpton, overlooking Blythswood Square, Iasg has real panache. Lined with curving banquettes, with a handsome marble bar at its centre, it’s just the place for a very long lunch, then mid-afternoon martinis. Given the day, it seems right and proper to kick off with a glass of Champagne, while contemplating the seafood (pronounced ee-usk, the restaurant’s name means ‘fish’ in Scottish Gaelic). From Shetland mussels to caper-laced whole plaice, it’s hard to go wrong.     

The stylish interior of José Pizarro's restaurant at the RA

José Pizarro’s restaurant in the Senate Room at the RA in London’s Piccadilly

LONDON

For art aficionados: José Pizarro at the Royal Academy of Arts

There’s no lovelier spot for lunch than the Royal Academy of Arts– especially if you’ve planned ahead and booked exhibition tickets. Mother’s Day is the closing date for Impressionists on Paper. After taking in the tulle-clad dancers and luminous seascapes, head for lunch in the pink-and-gold Senate Room, headed up by José Pizarro. What to expect? A succession of impeccable tapas, including his terrific buñuelos de gamba: tiny, crunchy prawn fritters, dredged in lemon aioli.

Tillingham’s vineyard (Andrew Hayes-Watkins); whole day boat fish on the menu at Tillingham (Sam Harris)

RYE, EAST SUSSEX

For vineyard vistas: Tillingham

Amid East Sussex’s painterly landscapes, Tillingham is a dreamy retreat: a biodynamic wine estate and farm spanning 70 acres. There’s a tangible sense of serenity, whether you’re touring the vineyards or lingering over lunch. Sunday spreads bring views of the vines and an emphasis on sharing – a shoulder of saltmarsh lamb, perhaps, with veg from the walled gardens. In the market for an overnight stay? Eleven artfully pared-back rooms occupy the old hop barn.

LYME REGIS, DORSET

For brunch by the sea: The Oyster & Fish House 

Get the day off to a sunny start with brunch at Mark Hix’s place, perched on the cliffs in Lyme Regis. Book a table on the terrace, above the boat-filled harbour, for coastal views to the Cobb and beyond. Served until noon, the brunch menu is short but compelling, spanning woodland mushrooms, homemade bubble-and-squeak and locally cured chalk stream trout. Whatever you opt for, pair it with a Bloody Mary with a sprinkle of celery salt.   

The exterior of the Grove of Narbeth in Pembrokeshire

Grove of Narberth country house hotel, Pembrokeshire (Grove of Narberth)

PEMBROKESHIRE

For country-house escapism: Grove of Narberth

If you don’t have a country seat of your own, the Grove is the next best thing, with its Arts and Crafts panelling, woodland walks and antique-dotted lounges. Book ahead for its Mother’s Day afternoon tea, or a special, harp-soundtracked Sunday lunch. No one, of course, makes a roast like Mum, but this place might come close: think slow-roast beef with fluffy Yorkshire puddings and every conceivable trimming.

Afternoon tea in the Belmont Room at Bettys (also opening image); onion bhaji bap at Goat Ledge, St Leonards-on-Sea

YORK

For a classic afternoon tea: Bettys 

Nowhere does afternoon tea like Bettys. There are several outposts but, for maximum grandeur, you’ll be wanting the Belmont Room. Every detail is just so in its Art Deco dining room, from the resident pianist and starched tablecloths to the splendid walnut panelling. The food, meanwhile, is exquisite: a silver-tiered selection of miniature scones, truffled sandwiches and cakes, paired with your tea of choice (if in doubt, try Bettys’ blend of Assam and Darjeeling). 

ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA, EAST SUSSEX

For mums who hate a fuss: Goat Ledge

Prefer to keep things low key? Then roll up for lunch at Goat Ledge, a convivial café and seafood shack perched on St Leonards’ seafront. If it’s a sunny day, pull up a pair of deckchairs and order a crisp glass of white. If the weather’s chilly, squeeze inside or book a private hut. Either way, the views are sublime, as is the seafood, from a luscious haddock chowder to panko-crumbed fish baps anointed with homemade aioli.

Views from The Lookout in Edinburgh

Dining with a view at The Lookout, Edinburgh

EDINBURGH

For epic views: The Lookout

Survey the city from The Lookout, a cantilevered, glass-walled restaurant at the top of Calton Hill. Over a rhubarb and bramble fizz, play I-spy with Edinburgh’s landmarks, backdropped by the blue-grey, boat-dotted Firth of Forth. For Mother’s Day, there’s an extended brunch-slash-lunch to allow for leisurely lie-ins, and a menu that runs from note-perfect eggs (Royale, Florentine or Benedict) to a handsome grilled half lobster and chips.

The Great Room at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast; afternoon tea at The Merchant

BELFAST

For all-round pampering: The Merchant Hotel

If gilded grandeur is more your mother’s style, whisk her to The Merchant. Once Ulster Bank’s historic HQ, it’s now the sleekest of hotels. For Mother’s Day, book afternoon tea in the Great Room – a triumph of Victorian decorative excess topped by a soaring glass cupola. After tuille-topped crémeux, teeny sandwiches and perfectly risen scones, stroll the Cathedral Quarter, or retire to the hotel’s sumptuous spa.   

The chic interior of Claridge's Restaurant

The elegant Art Deco restaurant at Claridge’s in London’s Mayfair

LONDON

For breakfast fit for a queen: Claridge’s

Everyone knows breakfast is the best meal of the day – and it’s even better at Claridge’s Restaurant. Sink into a capacious leather banquette and let the feasting commence, guided by a menu that adds a luxurious spin to every breakfast staple. Scrambled eggs might be anointed with shavings of black truffle, while the French toast is topped with salted caramel and peaks of Chantilly cream. If a full English breakfast sounds too much, opt for the upscale breakfast muffin with streaky bacon, seared scallop and a soupçon of yuzu-spiked mayo.

Related Articles

A love letter to British food

BA partner and beloved British chef Tom Kerridge rhapsodises about kale and fish and chips

London’s sweet treats

Where to find the best desserts in the UK capital, from tasty pastries to proper old-fashioned puds

Where to drink London’s best cocktails

Meet the movers and shakers of mixology in our guide to the UK capital's best tipples

Afternoon tea at the Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square hotel

Simply delightful! London’s best afternoon teas

We're celebrating Afternoon Tea Week with a spread of the capital’s most sumptuous spreads