Making Your Mum's (and Dad's) Day Everyday
Mothers' Day is normally a busy, joyful day when we treat our mums to lunch – either in country and city pubs and restaurants, or by preparing big family feasts at home. It is a favourite day for mums and one of the busiest days of the year for hospitality venues. In the run up to Mothers' Day, the team at Hampshire Fare would be suggesting places to eat and goodies to buy to give to your mum when you visit. However, this year that has changed due to self-isolating and social distancing. Pubs and restaurants have closed and the public has been advised not to put our mums’ health at risk by visiting them.
This doesn’t mean you can’t treat your mum. We have lots of suggestions which support our local businesses as well as providing everyone with opportunities to look after family members. It isn't just about one day. Suggestions include ordering chocolates – a great pick me up. Take a look at Beaulieu Chocolate Studio, Chococo, JK Fine Chocolates, New Forest Chocolates, Summerdown Mint and Winchester Cocoa Company.
If you haven’t been able to see you Mum, what about cheering her up with a hamper full of Hampshire goodies from the New Forest Hampshire Company, you can choose from jam, gin, organic hand wash and much more.
You could even still give your mother a delicious meal. For example Chesil Rectory in Winchester have just launched a takeway menu that includes 12-hour braised Bere Farm lamb hot pot, crispy potatoes, vegetables and rich jus (£24 for two), and you can add a bottle from the cellar for half price – just £15. A great way of treating loved ones (or yourselves) at this time while supporting a local independent. Other pubs and restaurants are offering similar services so phone up your favourite and see what is available.
What about a practical gift? For example, order a box of fresh and larder produce online to be delivered direct to her doorstep. Especially thoughtful for older parents who are not on the internet and anxious about shopping in supermakets.
Acknowledging our mums (and dads) isn’t just for today… remember them everyday.
Check out Hampshire Fare’s local produce guide (online) and Where to Buy section of the website for more information on farm shops, village stores and where you can order produce.
Take care; support local; eat well; stay healthy.