Unexpected Mother’s Day Treats in London

If your mum is anything but ordinary, opt out of the everyday Mother’s Day gifts this year (Sunday 11th March). Giving her something special is a strong message in itself, and remarkable needn’t be astronomically expensive or, indeed, cost anything at all.

Here are four new and unconventional surprises in London for your mum:

Fatberg: no taboo topic between mother and child

In September 2017, a 130 tonne mass – made up of fats, oils, faeces, wet wipes and sanitary products – was discovered in Whitechapel’s sewers. One of the largest fatbergs ever to be found, its remaining part (conserved and curated with great care – and, we imagine, at arm’s length) is now on display in the Museum of London. Thankfully its original stench has calmed right down; now it’s no worse than stinky toilets.

Museum of London. On display until 1st July 2018. Admission is free.

Orchids: Thai mum down to an afternoon out

A bunch of flowers is nice, sure. Immersion in Thailand’s vivid plant life is much more of a lasting memory. Kew Gardens’ celebration of the orchid in all of its Thai glory takes place in the tropical greenhouse, decorated with floating Thai umbrellas, a Bang Pa-In inspired orchid palace, and a cart on loan from Thailand’s embassy in London. Indulge in a Thai afternoon tea – available exclusively during the Orchids Festival – including a lemongrass and coriander tartlet and a pina colada panna cotta.

Kew Gardens. On display until 11th March 2018. Free with admission price.

Frozen: every mother’s worst nightmare

Not Elsa or Anna or Olaf, this is a grown-up modern classic starring Suranne Jones (aka Doctor Foster). Bryony Lavery’s psychological thriller, Frozen – now showing in the West End – tells the terrifying tale of a mother whose child goes missing on a walk to visit her Grandma. Something no mother can bear to relate to, in fact it’s rather like staring at the sun (you can’t look for too long); nevertheless, it’s engrossing in its utter grimness.

Theatre Royal Haymarket. Running until 5 May 2018. Tickets from £15.

VitaDrip®: well-being, intravenously

At The Ned – one of London’s newest cool hotels – you can experience something much more avant garde than most spas offer. Forget massage and manicures – they’re far too mainstream for your mum! – and give her a boost via a vitamin infusion or an intramuscular injection. A mix of high quality vitamins, essential minerals and amino acids will be administered by a fully-trained nurse by means of a drip or a syringe.

The Elixir Clinic at Ned’s Club Spa. From £50.