IT used to be so simple pleasing mum on Mother’s Day back when we were kiddywinks: pick a flower from the neighbour’s garden, make her a card with a sheet of A4 paper while trying not to get glitter and glue on the carpet, then maybe whip her up some toast and you’ve got a happy Mum.
But it's time to take it up a notch.
There's plenty of entertaining ways to thank Mum this coming Mothering Sunday here in Manchester.
So pick up some flowers (check), buy the card (check) and put a deserved smile on her face with some of these great events happening over the weekend
(and yes, of course there's afternoon tea. We know Mum loves a scone).
MOTHER'S DAY AFTERNOON TEA
We all know Mums like scones with cream and tiny little sandwiches on Mother's Day, so expect the city's restaurants to be bringing out the fancy cake stands come 6 March. Make sure to book early – in fact, book now.
- FOR AN ALTERNATIVE: Tattu (sushi afternoon tea £25 per person)
- FOR A LITTLE CHARM: Sugar Junction (£19.95 per person, £21.95 with Prosecco)
BOOK A DAY SPA-CATION AT SPA AT THE MIDLAND
On Mother’s Day, there’s a few things Mums have come to expect, one is a good pampering. So go the whole hog in one of the most tranquil and special spas in the city (well it did cost £1.5 mill). This Mother’s Day they’re offering a Rebalancing Spa Package for £79.99 per person, which includes:
- A 50 minute rebalancing ritual
- A complimentary ESPA Body Silk Spray worth £28
- A delicious light lunch or afternoon tea
- Access to the alder wood sauna with Himalayan rock salt wall, salt-infused aromatherapy steam room, experience shower and beautiful swan neck fountain
- Access to the relaxation suite featuring hanging cocoons and sleep chambers
- Robe, slippers and towels, obviously
MOTHER'S DAY SUNDAY LUNCH AT JAMES MARTIN RESTAURANT
We’ve heard some Mum’s have a soft spot for TV-chef James Martin - don’t ask us to explain it. To win Mum over this Mother’s Day, James Martin at Manchester 235 casino is putting on a three course Sunday spread for just £25 per person. There’s also a chocolate treat in it for any mums in attendance. The deal will run from 12 – 5pm, and there’ll be live music entertainment throughout.
WONDER WOMAN FESTIVAL
Soon after Mother’s Day comes the annual International Women’s Day when subjects concerning all things female will be discussed and celebrated. In the spirit of both days, take mum to see an event at the upcoming Wonder Woman Festival ( Thursday 3 March – Sunday 13 March).
On Mothering Sunday HOME theatre is showing two films as part of the festival: Girlfriends and Born in Flames. Or you can head down to Band On The Wall for Here Comes The Grrrls featuring performances from musicians like as Beth Orton.
See the full Wonder Woman Festival listings here.
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT QUILL
Quill Manchester, King Street’s new fine-dining restaurant, dedicates its Sunday nights to smooth jazz over candlelight with the bonus of two luxury cocktails for a tenner.
If your mother loves jazz, then Quill sets the perfect scene: sit in the downstairs bar, all sultrily lit and Old Hollywood motion picture grey, waiting to be served upon by dapper dressed barmen in crisp blue shirts and braces, while the talented jazz band play a number of foot tapping tunes. A wonderful evening, we reckon.
MOTHER'S DAY MAKEOVER AT SELFRIDGES
On Saturday 5 March (12pm-6pm) both Selfridges Trafford and Exchange Square will host an afternoon of mother and daughter pampering complete with a live singer, sweet treats, complimentary gifts and activity across all beauty brands. At Selfridges Trafford, local chocolatiers Cocoa- Cabana will be in store personalising chocolate gifts, while at Exchange Square there’ll be an illustrator providing personalised gift tags,
Tickets to the event at Selfridges Trafford are £10 (redeemable against purchases) and can be booked by calling 0161 629 1123.
PETER ANDRE: COME SWING WITH ME TOUR 2016
Here's another bloke Mums can't seem to get enough of - Britain's favourite Dad, Strictly contestant and cheesy crooner, Peter Andre, will be performing at Manchester Apollo on Sunday 6 March. Tickets are selling fast and it's best to call the venue ahead for availability.
Prices start from £31.85 - £88.50
