Mother’s Day Dining Hotspots in South West London

Lead image: Megan’s, Clapham

1 Chez Bruce, Wandsworth Common The one to choose if you’re really pushing the boat out, the Michelin-starred Chez Bruce on Bellevue Parade stalwart has stood firm as one of south-west London’s finest dining establishments for over 20 years, and the reasons are clear – impeccable service, serene setting and, of course, remarkable food with a French accent. Posh frocks and advance booking essential.2 Bellevue Road, Wandsworth Common SW17 7EG; chezbruce.co.uk

 2 The Dairy & Sorella, Clapham If your mum is a would-be hipster, book into The Dairy or Sorella (formerly The Manor), Clapham’s infamous sister restaurants. Menus are inventive and bursting with unusual, seasonal ingredients, while the atmosphere is distinctly cool and trendy. You might feel like you’ve ventured to Shoreditch, but you’re still safely cosseted in south-west London.The Dairy, 15 The Pavement SW4 0HY; the-dairy.co.ukSorella, 148 Clapham Manor Street SW4 6BX; sorellarestaurant.co.uk

3 The Ivy Cafe, Wimbledon The Ivy Cafe is always a treat, and if the sun continues to shine into the weekend, then note that the garden terrace at the rear of The Ivy Café in SW19 is a magical, intimate oasis. Sip on a dreamy English spritz with Earl Grey gin, lemon and orange sacchurum, Prosecco and soda, or indulge in its glorious breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea and à la carte offerings. And that’s not to mention the flawless desserts.75 High Street SW19 5EQ; theivycafewimbledon.com 

4 London House, Battersea As you migth expect, the food at Gordon Ramsay’s London House is amazing – sophisticated, flavourful and impeccably presented. The restaurant is serving a special three-course menu for Mother’s Day, priced £40pp for three courses. Starters will include asparagus with crispy hen’s egg and rocket, and smoked Scottish salmon with capers, radishes and buttermilk dressing, while the mains include a choice of roast Hereford beef, breaded plaice with brown shrimp butter, or Pappardelle with watercress pesto. For dessert, its a chocolate brownie with salted caramel ice cream, Yorkshire rhubarb cheesecake, or crème brulee.7-9 Battersea Square SW11 3RA; gordonramsay.com/londonhouse

5 Marco Polo, WandsworthWandsworth’s riverside favourite offers a warm welcome to families, and serves Italian food that’s smart, but with definite undertones of ‘how mamma used to make it’. If the sun’s shining (we can hope) take a seat on the fairy-light strewn terrace outside, or book a table on the chic mezzanine inside, and tuck into spaghetti vongole and pan-fried calf’s liver, served with a side of Italian hospitality.Eastfields Avenue SW18 1LP; marcopolo.uk.net

6 Megan’s, Clapham, Balham, Parson’s Green & Fulham South west London favourite Megan’s opened a new restaurant in Clapham Old Town in December. The new opening marks a welcome addition to its existing offerings in Fulham, Parsons Green and Balham. Expect antipasti and charcuterie sharing boards to start, with Shakshouka or deconstructed pan kebabs for main at the dog-friendly spot. It’s a great all-day spot, where you can delve into Megan’s famous all-day brunch, healthy salads and evening offerings influenced by the Mediterranean. You’ll also find some excellent brunch offerings and a knock-out salted caramel martini.megans.co.uk

7 Côte, Wimbledon Village Want to swap ‘ladies who lunch’ for ‘ladies who brunch’? Try a slap-up start to the day at Côte in Wimbledon Village – the smart brasserie has a menu full of breakfast treats, from French toast with fruit salad to crêpes with bacon and gruyère cheese, as well as the all-important breakfast cocktails. It’s perfect fuel for a stroll around the nearby boutiques where you may be tempted to buy your ma a special gift…8 High Street, Wimbledon Village SW19 5DX; cote.co.uk

8 The Castle, Tooting What used to be a dingy boozer in the middle of Tooting is now a gastro pub with light and airy decor, and a laid-back Sunday atmosphere perfect for a long Mother’s Day lunch. Choose from a whole chicken to share, pork belly, lamb or beef, and veggie options, but make sure you leave room for one of the excellent handmade deserts (yes, Grand Marnier chocolate fondant with white chocolate ice cream, we’re looking at you).38 Tooting High Street SW17 0RG; castletooting.com