Deputy editor Anna Evdokimou went hunting for the best way to spend Mother’s Day in London. Here’s how it went.
From flowers and jewellery to perfumes and makeup, there are endless gift options for Mother’s Day. But considering the sentimentality of the occasion, it could be argued that a wholesome experience shared together is worth a thousand presents (depending on the £££ of those presents).
If you’re anything like me, you’re likely to have spent some time scrolling online to find an experience that’s not only affordable but offers something that your mum will actually enjoy. Upon my initial search, activities like a cocktail-making class, bottomless brunch and social bingo all appeared before me, and while these would undoubtedly be full of fun, they didn’t quite fit the bill for what I was looking for.
I wanted something unique, but also something that wouldn’t feel ‘too much’. The options were endless, from flashy hotels and spa treatments to afternoon teas and art exhibitions, but I struggled to find destinations that were nearby enough to plan a coherent itinerary. Eventually, I centred my search on locating the perfect base for a one-night stay and sought a hotel that felt far enough from home to make it special, but not far enough that we’d have to leave London. Enter Hotel Saint — a gem in the heart of the city that’s launched a new wellness package, just in time for Mother’s Day.
The stay
With the hotel located about 10 steps away from Aldgate Station, a short walk from Tower Bridge and a quick stroll from the financial district, I was initially sceptical about how relaxing this would be. Throngs of people were roaming around in groups when we emerged from the station steps on Saturday morning, each desperate to make the most of the rays that were finally shining down on the city.
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As exteriors go, the hotel is as subtle as it gets — almost unidentifiable bar the small sign that bears its name. The building is eclipsed by its expansive rooftop bar, which houses the renowned London hotspot Jin Bo Law and I wondered how I hadn’t noticed the hotel that lies beneath it before. But as with all luxury hoards, ambiguity is the intent.
A quick spin through the revolving door landed us in a bright and tranquil lobby, and the commotion of the city streets quickly faded into distant memory. It felt like I had travelled through a vacuum, and the quiet hum of relaxation was interrupted only by the gentleman beside us, who was checking in with a large garment bag in hand.
‘Special occasion?’ the concierge asked.
‘My son’s getting engaged here tonight,’ the man answered.
It was after we piled into the lift that I realised we’d been put on the top floor and the views were second to none that I had experienced in London before. Tower Bridge sat to our left while The Gherkin sparkled boldly to our right. The room itself was beautifully simple and incredibly modern with a small, separate lounge with a sofa and TV. I’m a sucker for a good hotel bathroom and the decadent marble detailing and double shower and bath did not disappoint. There’s something oddly satisfying about admiring the capital’s skyline from a cosy room in a plush robe and, for a moment, I felt like a sibling in Succession.
How to spend Mother’s Day
We had some time to kill before our wellness experience commenced and after a quick check on Google Maps, we headed to Spitalfields Market. Anyone with Instagram or TikTok is bound to have seen a video of the foodie’s paradise and the famous chocolate-covered strawberries were the first thing on my list.
From Humble Crumble and Jenki Matcha Bar to 2 Nigerian Boys and The Dumpling Shack, every taste and preference is catered to here. Prior to this, I’d never enjoyed a bubble tea alongside a prawn pad thai before, but I can confirm it was a delicious combination.
We headed to Skin Co Spa after a wander around, which was approximately a five-minute journey. Tucked in one of East London’s most famous areas, the street was lined with 18th-century houses and we had to climb a narrow staircase before reaching the spa.
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Compact and homely, the space differed from spas I’d been to in the past. With no swimming pool to lounge around, we were encouraged to head straight downstairs where the steam room and sauna awaited. While most spas allow guests to use the facilities simultaneously, here our experience was exclusive to us and we were able to transition from the hot tub to the lounge beds at our whim and wish.
Eventually, the expert facialist knocked at the door and we were summoned back upstairs to the treatment rooms. I had never had a joint treatment before and it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’d had at a spa. Getting to chat to my mum while being pampered felt like such a treat, and the Radiance Facial left us both feeling completely spoilt — and completely glowing.
The restaurant
The prospect of following our day at Spitalfields Market with a three-course meal was honestly terrifying, but the menu at The Cardinal Bar & Kitchen was too tempting to resist. Burrata, chicken wings, mushroom arancini and bao buns were among the eclectic mix of starters, while the main courses boasted lamb cutlets, steak frites, risotto, gnocchi and salmon. For me, the piece de resistance was the creamy mash that accompanied my roast chicken, and we also got a side of truffle chips to share — it’s a special occasion, after all.
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As we watched families, couples and groups of friends slowly filter in — while grazing on an overly indulgent assortment of ice cream — I realised how special it felt to spend time doing nothing with my mum. As we both leave little space for downtime in our lives, a weekend dedicated to leisurely luxuriating in the city was so unlike us, and yet so completely needed.
It’s only after you spend quality time together that it dawns on you how much you neglect such occurrences, and how waiting for an occasion to spoil your parent feels entirely inadequate. But this Mother’s Day break felt like time well spent, and Mum and I vowed to return next year.
Prices for the Serenity Spa Package at Hotel Saint start from £450 per person. For bookings, visit hotelsaint.com
