Do you want a relaxing Mothering Sunday with a break from cooking? In this article, I give you some great ideas for enjoying Mother’s Day in Bristol, Portishead and surrounding areas without having to do any of the cooking yourself!
I also share a brief explanation of the meaning and history of Mothering Sunday in the UK. But you’re welcome to click on the following link if you’d like to skip straight to the “break from cooking” part!
What’s the History of Mother’s Day in the UK?
As I was putting this article together I realised I don’t know a great deal about the history of Mothering Sunday, so I’ve done a bit of research. This is what I’ve learnt:-
For centuries the UK has celebrated Mothering Sunday on the 4th Sunday of Lent. This explains why it falls on different dates each year. Other countries around the world celebrate their own Mother’s Days which fall on many different dates.
Around 400 years ago people started to visit their home church (or Mother Church) on this date in the middle of Lent. Young people in service were allowed a rare day’s leave to visit their family and they may have taken flowers or a cake with them as the strict fasting rules of Lent were relaxed for that day.
What Mother’s Day Means to Me
Since having children I’ve loved Mother’s Day. In the early days, it was all about the husband treating me to time off, letting me have a lie-in and cooking a special meal.
As the boys grew older, they’ve been the ones who’ve made it special, like this Relaxing Mother’s Day a couple of years ago when they presented me with a range of thoughtful homemade cards, gifts and ‘chore vouchers’.
Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Bristol and Nearby this Year
Nowadays we might show appreciation for our Mothers with cards, presents, coffee and fancy cake, a home-cooked meal, lunch out or just spending some special time together.
ENJOY AFTERNOON TEA IN OR NEAR BRISTOL
If you’d like to indulge your Mum or yourself with a fancy afternoon tea in or around Bristol, check out my guide, Where to enjoy the best afternoon tea: Bristol and Beyond. This article is a comprehensive round-up of lovely venues in the area offering tasty treats including freshly baked scones, jam, clotted cream and homemade sweet and savoury treats.
Fancy something special on the side? Perhaps a glass of champagne or a G & T with your dainty sandwiches and dainty cakes? I share where you can find variations, like a sparkling afternoon tea or a gin cocktail.
The guide also includes info on special dietary options such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan menus, as well as which venues offer afternoon teas, especially for children. I also include contact/booking details so you can double-check ingredients and make any special requests with the venue.
Whether you’d like to enjoy your afternoon tea on Bristol Harbourside, at a country manor house, in Clifton Village or by Christmas Steps, you’ll find the details in our guide.
GO OUT FOR A MEAL IN OR AROUND PORTISHEAD
If the best Mother’s Day treat is for somebody else to cook for you, take a look at my Ultimate Guide to Portishead Restaurants. Here you’ll find a wide variety of local restaurants and which type of food they serve.
Fancy a Sunday roast? An Italian? A curry? Good pub food? Lunch with a view of Portishead Marina or the Bristol Channel? You’ll find them all in here.
ORDER A TAKEAWAY & EAT IN THE COMFORT OF HOME
If you’d like to enjoy food somebody else has cooked for you on Mother’s Day, but in the comfort of your own home, remember to check out our Portishead Takeaway Ultimate Guide. This is where you’ll find the Portishead takeaway services all in one place!
In this article, you’ll find the local restaurants, pizzerias, cafes and pubs which currently offer a takeaway or food delivery service to Portishead. I’ve also included contact details and as much information as I can find on opening hours, collection and delivery services and the type of takeaway food they offer.
WHAT IF I’VE LEFT IT TOO LATE TO ORGANISE ANYTHING FOR MOTHER’S DAY?
Do you feel like you’ve left it too late to organise anything? Is the restaurant you fancy booked up? Or you might just prefer to go out when it’s not so busy.
Then why not avoid the hype and just celebrate Mother’s Day on a day that suits you? I’m one of three children and this year my Mother has thoroughly enjoyed having separate celebrations with each of us, spread over a couple of weeks!
Or you could buy a gift voucher for something like a spa treatment or an afternoon tea or cream tea and enjoy it at your leisure.
