Father figures are the best. They are the ones we turn to for advice, food recommendations, a bad joke and occasionally some financial help (sometimes the advice and food recommendations are pretty bad too, but let us not dwell on such details). This year we’ve got an amazing range of fathers day inspiration that is sure to keep all types of dads happy; the ones who love food, history, culture, adventure and even the ones who have always wanted to try an afternoon tea but never dared venture into this territory. We’ve got you all covered. Here are our top Fathers Day recommendations in London and here’s a very helpful date to remember this year: Sunday 18th June.
Into the Unknown at Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre is itself like stepping into the unknown so it’s quite ironic (and poetically beautiful) for this exhibition to take place here. From June 3rd check out this science fiction journey in glorious detail, covering everything from space to future cities and even human perception. There are more than 800 works on display in the forms of art, film and literature. Tickets are £14.50 and you can book here.
Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea at The Mandeville Hotel
Inside this luxury hotel is a super smart bar and grill with a little twist; they serve a gentleman’s afternoon tea. Like we said earlier, this may not appeal to all dads but the traditional ladies luxury has now crossed important boundaries and at Reform Social & Grill there’s something with a little more bite. On the menu and included in the £26.50 expect roast beef in Yorkshire pudding and smoked salmon bagels alongside traditional scones and macaroons. Book here.
Mandeville Place, Marylebone, London W1U 2BE
Time Run
For something super fun and a great way to involve the whole family, head over to Time Run – one of the most highly rated escape room adventures in London. There’s a choice of two games (The Lance of Longinus and The Celestial Chain); each are immersive, challenging and include a fascinating story through time and space brought together with the help of puzzles and mysteries waiting to be solved.
9-15 Helmsley Place, E8 3SB
Sunday Roast at The Cow
Sometimes, well most of the time, Dad just wants a good old-fashioned roast to keep him happy (and calm). The Cow is the place to be. There’s an extensive alcohol list to accompany the menu, which includes escargots and handmade tagliolini. Upstairs you’ll find the Sunday Roast option for £19 which includes a roast forerib of British beef, roast potatoes, carrots and Yorkshire pudding with horseradish cream.
89 Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH
Taste of London Festival at Regents Park
This year treat Dad to the Taste of London Festival on from June 14th-18th where he can run wild amongst 55,000 other food lovers, leading chefs and incredible food. You’ll be able to sample food from London’s latest and most exciting restaurants, interact with master classes and demonstrations and pick up some tips as well as produce from boutique food markets. There’s a range of ticket options so be sure to check out the best one for you and Pa.
Regent’s Park, Chester Rd, London NW1 4NR
Thamesjet Speedboat experience – Westminster Pier
For something more adventurous, Thamesjet are offering a special fathers day package which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for dad as he gets sped down the River Thames – all very safely of course – for 50 minutes passing London’s most loved sites. He can then enjoy (relaxes his nerves) with a delicious three-course meal at the Locale County hall off the South Bank. It’s the closest he’ll ever feel to James Bond; a gift within itself, right?
Westminster Pier, Boarding Point F, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH
Beer and Cheese Trail – Bermondsey
This is a brand new experience for 2017; a three-hour journey through beer and cheese (otherwise known as pure joy), which begins at Marquis of Wellington pub and will take you through some of Bermondsey’s best loved breweries with some very informative guides on hand. The beer tasting is accompanied with carefully picked British Cheeses from Borough Market. You can book tickets through Red Letter Days.
Shakespeare Exhibition and Tour at The Globe
For some top-notch culture, our top pick is William Shakespeare and his life and works as seen through the iconic Globe Theatre. Experts will take you around the building bringing to life the hidden stories behind the theatre, its reconstruction in the 1990s and the importance of the ‘wooden O’ as a theatrical space. Tickets for the tour include entry into the exhibition too, and you can book them right here.
21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London, SE1 9DT
Top Secret Comedy Club
Let’s be honest, Dad has always made us laugh (whether he meant to or not). Return some of the love and show him what funny really is with a trip to The Top Secret Comedy Club in the heart of Covent Garden. This place has the likes of Dara O’Brien, Jack Whitehall, Jason Manford and Paul Chowdhry hit the stage to drop their new stand up work before they tour or appear on TV with the material. Intimate setting, super cheap drinks and a night of laughs make this one of London’s most highly rated venues.
170a Drury Ln, London WC2B 5PD
Written by Nikki