I’ve been wanting to take my mom on a special trip for years, not just a vacation, but something intentional. A way to show appreciation for everything she’s done for me and give back in a way that felt meaningful. I wanted to spoil her in the way I was indulged growing up and to share experiences I don’t think she ever imagined she’d have.
After visiting London the year before, I realized it was the perfect place. It’s a city filled with landmarks she’d instantly recognize, rich with history and familiarity. And just as importantly, it was English-speaking, which would make the experience feel easier and more comfortable for her.
In prepping for trip, I went in clear-eyed. Traveling with my mom requires more emotional energy than traveling alone. I also recognized she would need extra time to rest and reset each day. I built our trip around these thoughts and planned for slow mornings, afternoon breaks and easy evenings. What this also allowed me was space to wander on my own. It wasn’t about doing everything together, but about finding a rhythm that worked for both of us.
My mom enjoys eating, though with a narrower lens than mine. I knew London would be easy ground for us. I’d be able to find comforting and familiar flavours for her, and fill our plates with things we’d both genuinely enjoy.
For the first part of our visit in London I chose to stay in Mayfair deliberately. It’s compact and walkable, with plenty for my mom to explore at an easy pace. But I also chose it selfishly because it was close to my favorite bar from my past visit and a few more that I was keen to check out. It felt like the perfect location to begin our trip.
Landing early afternoon, we were able to head to the hotel for a chance to settle in. While my mom rested, I slipped out to visit my favorite local bar, Kwānt Mayfair. Known for its exceptional cocktails, it’s also a place that welcomes solo guests by seating you behind the bar, beside the bartender. Watching the drinks being prepared, chatting quietly and watching the evening unfold, I was ecstatic I was back in London.
I returned to the hotel to pick up my mom for our first meal. We started with a classic, and one of my mom’s favourites, fish & chips. Mayfair Chippy was close enough to our hotel to walk and it offered her a gentle first glimpse of the city as we made our way there.
Mayfair Chippy is cozy but polished which was a better atmosphere for my mom than a pub for fish&chips. It also takes their food seriously. The crisp batter and flaky fish accompanied with proper chips was exactly the introduction to London I wanted for her.
The next morning, we eased into the day with brunch at Hide. Calm, elegant and unhurried, it was exactly what we needed. When I chose the restaurant I did so after seeing their famous mango dish, (which looked so simple but was complex and delicious). As we sat with a luscious spread in front of us, my mom said it all felt so “rich” (her way of saying luxurious). I realized this choice was the perfect way to begin our day.
After brunch, we wandered toward Buckingham Palace, hoping to avoid the chaos of the changing of the guard. Instead, as we walked along the back side of The Mall, a line of magnificent horses appeared with guards in dress riding past us down the road. My mom stopped in her tracks, completely mesmerized.
I know my mom spends most of her time at home, but it wasn’t until that moment that I realized how stimulating this trip would be for her. One of the best things about my mom is how openly she shows her excitement and joy. It spills out freely and it’s impossible not to feel it too.
After wandering past a few more sights, I brought my mom back to the hotel with Pret a Manger sandwiches in hand, to rest. I knew these pauses were part of the rhythm of the trip and would continue to take advantage of them.
While she settled in to rest, I slipped out to visit Dukes bar which I’d missed on my last visit.
Famous for what’s often considered one of the best martinis in the world, Dukes feels timeless. Being solo, I love that it was hushed, unapologetically traditional and the streams of light that entered the room in the afternoon adding to its ethereal feeling.
Closely tied to James Bond, the bar was frequented by Ian Fleming himself. The 4oz martini is still served ice-cold tableside with quiet ceremony.
I wanted to take my mom to a show while we were in London but knew English-language theatre might be lost on her. I was happy to find that a visiting production by choreographer Christoper Wheeldon was performing at the Royal Opera House. Ballet felt like the perfect solution. No language barrier, just movement, music and spectacle in the most beautiful theatre.
Before the performance, we stopped for a pre-show dinner at Coral Pearl. The prix-fix meal was perfect as it gave us time to sit, eat well, and ease into the night before heading to the theatre.
The Royal Opera House was a grand venue, and the show stunning. It was a shared experience of something beautiful and exactly the kind of evening I’d hoped to give her.
On our last day in Mayfair, we began the morning at the National Gallery. I knew my mom was interested in art, even if she rarely has the chance to spend time in galleries. Walking through the rooms together, I found myself seeing the collection through her eyes. She was drawn to pieces I would have passed by but it was lovely to pause and enjoy her appreciation
I seeing it alongside her. I wasn’t just enjoying the gallery for myself but watching what moved her, and letting her curiosity quietly guide the pace. It was through moments like these that I understood this trip wasn’t just about giving to her, but also about what I was receiving in return.
With the afternoon to myself, I wandered through Soho and to Bar Termini, one I’d starred for this trip. It’s Italian-inspired and effortlessly welcoming. They’re known for their well-textured, aerated Garibaldi and a formidable lineup of Negronis, all pre-batched and ready to pour.
I spent good time at the bar and was happy to pick up a few Negroni bottles to take home with me as liquid souvenirs. The bar itself was friendly in that easy London way. Before long I found myself in good conversations, drink in hand. It was exactly the kind of solo moment I love.
As I was leaving the bar, another caught my eye across the street. Swift Bar was also on my list and I thought I’d sit for one more drink. Wanting something light, I ordered a sgroppino with lemon sorbet and prosecco. Bright, refreshing, and playful, it was the ideal pre-nap indulgence.
Heading back to the hotel, I realized I needed something to eat. I wanted something easy and unfussy so I stopped at Junk Burger for a smash burger. The burger was crisp-edged and juicy. The meal was familiar, quick and satisfying.
That evening, we headed back into Soho for Japanese. Travelling with my mom, I was mindful of choosing flavours that felt familiar to her. I knew this trip was pushing her outside her comfort zone so I wanted moments that grounded her.
Himi is a modern-izakaya with a relaxed and welcoming energy. We started with maguro nanban ae and isobeyaki, a meaty scallop lightly fried and gently sweet. All of the dishes to follow struck a perfect balance between Japanese comfort and character.
Seated at the bar, my mom was completely in her element. She chatted with the staff in Japanese, relaxed and quietly happy. In that moment, it felt like everything aligned . Food that comforted her and flavours that excited me. It was a city revealing itself to both of us in different but equally meaningful ways.
The next morning we packed up and said goodbye to Mayfair. Our days there had been slow and easy. We experienced incredible sights and flavours but had moments of rest in ways we both needed.
We were moving on to Shoreditch for the next few days, ready to explore a different side of London together. It was a new energy with the same gentle pace. We were both ready for the next chapter of the trip ahead.
The Places I ate & drank at this post:
Call Me a Food Lover... 