No plans for Mother’s Day? Whether you’re looking for something casual and relaxed, or you want to splash out on something a bit posher, get cracking and spoil your mom like the queen that she is with our list of must-visit dining and art experiences not to be missed.
DRESS UP FOR THIS FUN AND UNIQUE 60S LUNCH PARTY
Take mom on a trip to memory lane with a fun and fancy 60s dress-up party and buffet experience at a private guesthouse in Houghton. Live tunes are on hand to set the mood, and the ticket price includes a welcoming drink and retro buffet of various courses. The venue’s old-world charm and interiors are the ideal escape for a Mother’s Day lunch with a twist.
Cost: R350pp. Book via Quicket
When: Sunday 8 May, 1pm to 8pm
Where: The Great Gatsby Guesthouse, 4 Munro Dr, Houghton, Johannesburg
Website: greatgatsbyhoughton.com | Email: thegreatgatsbyhoughton@gmail.com | Tel: 083 225 8461
Facebook: @GreatGatsbyHoughton | Instagram: @greatgatsbyguesthouse
A GLITZY LUNCH AT HOTEL SKY IN SANDTON
Opulence and all-out grandness are in store at Hotel Sky Sandton. This Mother’s Day they’re offering a gourmet lunch with live music with all the trimmings including a salad station, live grill, and dessert selection with Black Forest gateau, macarons, creme brulee and more.
The ticket includes a free gift for moms.
Cost: R330pp. Kids, 5 years and under eat free, and ages 6 to 11 pay R115. Book via call or email
When: Sunday 8 May, 12am to 3pm
Where: Hotel Sky Sandton, 150 West Street, Sandton, Johannesburg
Website: hotelsky.co.za | Email: info@hotelsky.co.za | Tel: 010 880 4449
Facebook: @hotelskysouthafrica | Instagram: @hotelskysa
TAKE THE KIDS ALONG FOR A PAINT SESSION IN FAIRLAND
For a Mother’s Day experience with a difference, Lillian Gray Art School is hosting a special paint experience for moms with younger kids.
Create your own painting under the guidance of Lillian Gray. Complete beginners are welcome to join, and the event includes all art supplies needed, a rose for mom, and cookies and tea or coffee to start.
Cost: R900 per pair (Mother + Child). For additional Child + R 350. Book here
When: Saturday 7 May, 10am to 1pm
Where: Lillian Gray Art School, 82 Kessel St, Fairland, Johannesburg
Website: lilliangray.co.za | Email: hello@lilliangray.co.za | Tel: 076 828 2448
Facebook: @lilliangrayart | Instagram: @lilliangrayart
FINE DINING FEAST AT THIS ELEGANT SPOT IN SANDHURST
Treat mum to a sophisticated brunch service all anchored by fresh produce grown at the venue gardens. Qunu Restaurant at The Saxon is celebrating Mother’s Day with a long leisurely lunch from 11:30am to 2pm.
A specially crafted set menu all anchored by fresh produce grown at the venue gardens will help soak up the Champagne cocktails on offer. The chefs have added a menu to impress with a hot and cold salmon roulade alongside sourdough crouton and a herb salad, grilled sustainable fish with sauteed veg and fried polenta, and much more.
Cost: Mother’s Day Brunch, R1,150pp Standard Sunday Brunch, R845pp. Book via call or email
When: Sunday 8 May, 11:30am to 2pm
Where: Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, 36 Saxon Rd, Sandhurst, Johannesburg
Website: saxon.co.za | Email: tablereservations@saxon.co.za | Tel: 011 403 1055
Facebook: @thesaxonhotel | Instagram: @thesaxonhotel
CONCERTS, CUISINE, AND A NEW SCULPTURE EXHIBIT AT NIROX THIS WEEKEND
NIROX Sculpture Garden is exhibiting Good Neighbours, a selection of sculptural work from artists around South Africa. A series of curator-led walkabouts hosted by top university curators across the country. Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra takes the stage from 4pm to 5pm on both days, and a slew of gourmet foodie stalls are on offer.
Cost: R350, book via Howler
When: Saturday, 7 May & Sunday 8 May. From 10am to 6pm
Where: NIROX Sculpture Park, R540, Krugersdorp
Website: niroxarts.com | Email: info@niroxarts.com
Facebook: @niroxfoundation | Instagram: @niroxfoundation
TAKE IN THE SANDTON SKYLINE WITH THIS SHARP BUFFET
Boasting great views of the Sandton skyline, Vivace at Radisson Blu Sandton is offering a special sharp style buffet lunch with three courses, a welcome drink to get started, live entertainment, and a short hand or neck massage with a voucher to The View spa.
Cost: R450pp. Book via call or email
When: Sunday 8 May, 12pm to 3:30pm
Where: Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg, Rivonia Rd &, Daisy St, Sandton
Website: radissonhotels.com | Email: info.johannesburg@radissonblu.com | Tel: 011 245 8000
Facebook: @RadissonBluHotelSandtonJohannesburg | Instagram: @radissonblusandton
PILATES AND BREAKFAST AT GAUTENG’S POPULAR ORGANIC FARM
Ganico Organic Estate in Muldersdrift is doing something slightly different for Mother’s Day this year. Their Health and Wellness Event kicks off with pilates, breathwork, a walk through their pomegranate orchards, and a short foraging session. Breakfast along with tea and coffee are included in the ticket.
Cost: R485pp. Book here
When: Sunday 8 May, 8:45am
Where: Ganico Organic Estate, 250 Tuohyvale Rd, Muldersdrift
Website: ganico.co.za | Email: hello@ganico.co.za | Tel: 084 853 8130
Facebook: @helloganico | Instagram: @helloganico
INDULGENT AFTERNOON TEA AT AURUM
AURUM’s indulgent Afternoon Tea brings together gourmet crafted treats such as lobster, truffle and tarragon rolls, classic cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, and tomato tartlets among others. For those with a sweet tooth, the restaurant in Joburg offers French macarons, mini orange almond cakes, red velvet cake with lavender cream, and a variety of dark and white chocolate truffles.
Cost: Afternoon Tea, R390pp | Afternoon Tea with champagne, R700pp. Book via call or email
When: Saturday, 7 May & Sunday 8 May. From 10am to 1:30pm
Where: AURUM at The Leonardo, 75 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton
Website: aurumrestaurant.co.za | Email: info@theleonardo.co.za | Tel: 010 880 5240/5241
Facebook: @aurumrestaurantza | Instagram: @aurumrestaurantza
PICNICS, WINE TASTING, AND JAZZY BUFFETS AT INDABA HOTEL
Indaba Hotel, Fourways has over the years become one of the popular destinations for Mother’s Day in Johannesburg. They are offering a garden picnic experience, a buffet at Epsom Restaurant accentuated by live jazz music, and an African-themed lunch offer with a Marimba band to boot. Don’t forget the Spier tasting room with award-winning wines and cheese boards for a cosy meetup.
See here for the full list of offers
Cost: Gourmet Picnic Box, R500 per couple | Lunch buffet at Chiefs Boma Restaurant, R335pp | Sunday Jazz Brunch at Epsom Restaurant, R235pp
When: Sunday 8 May, various times
Where: Indaba Hotel, William Nicol Drive & Pieter Wenning Road, Fourways
Website: indabahotel.co.za | Email: restaurant@indabahotel.co.za | Tel: 011 840 6600 or 011 840 6610
Facebook: @IndabaFourways | Instagram: @indabahotel
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEELS AT THIS VINTAGE MANSION IN PARKTOWN
Skip the corny bath bombs and treat your mom to lunch at Joburg’s cult favourite, Mike’s Heritage Kitchen. Expect various seating spaces and cosy corners marked by heavy Victorian design influences such as black-and-white chequered floors and wood paneling. There’s also an outdoor garden area where you dine alfresco or sip on sundowners.
Cost: R400pp. Book via call or email
When: Sunday 8 May, 8am to 6pm
Where: Mikes Heritage House, 15 St Andrews Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg
Website: mikesheritagehouse.co.za | Email: bookings@mikesheritagehouse.co.za | Tel: 011 484 2688
Facebook: @mikesheritagehouse | Instagram: @mikesheritagehouse
A VEGAN HIGH TEA EXPERIENCE IN BEDFORDVIEW
As one of the best vegan restaurants in Johannesburg, Kaylee’s Eatery is mostly known for its burgers, shakes, and lunch faves. But they also do a smashing high tea. This Mother’s Day, go for a decadent tray filled with a range of savoury sarmies and patisserie and meringues that looks too good to eat, all made with plant-based ingredients.
Cost: R349pp. Book here
When: Sunday 8 May, 9am to 4pm
Where: Kaylee’s Eatery, 147 North Reef Rd, Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Website: kaylees.co.za | Tel: 011 524 7650
Facebook: @kayleesbedfordview | Instagram: @kayleesbedfordview
A SPECIAL BONDING EVENT WITH JO MALONE AHEAD OF MOTHER’S DAY
Fairlawns Hotel and Spa guests are welcoming mothers and daughters to their terrace for a glass of Graham Beck Vintage Rose followed by a delectable three-course luncheon while participants listen to the inspiring story of Jo Malone. Vegetarians are also catered for.
Goodie bags are included in this experience and arrangements of beautiful autumn flowers will be available for sale in the afternoon, with all proceeds going to Beulah’s Orphanage. These will be available as cash purchases.
Cost: R885pp incl goodie bag. Book via call or email
When: Thursday 5 May, 12pm to 4pm
Where: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa, Alma Rd, Off Bowling Ave, Johannesburg
Website: fairlawns.co.za | Email: reservations@fairlawns.co.za | Tel: 011 804 2540
Facebook: @FairlawnsBoutiqueHotel | Instagram: @fairlawnsboutiquehotel
A SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY SET MENU AT PIGALLE IN BEDFORD AND SANDTON
Both Pigalle Restaurant in Bedfordview and Sandton are doing special Mother’s Day set menu experiences. Enjoy starters such as Hoisin duck with wilted cabbage, as well as a main and dessert. The menu once again underscores the elegance which we associate with this tried and trusted restaurant in Johannesburg.
Cost: R475pp. Book via call or email
When: Sunday 8 May, 12pm to 3pm
Where: Pigalle Restaurant Bedfordview, 36, Village View Shopping Centre, Kloof Rd &, Van Buuren Rd, Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Website: pigalle.joburg/bedfordview | Email: bedfordview@pigalle.joburg | Tel: 011 450 2242
Facebook: @pigallebedford | Instagram: @pigalle_joburg
UNFUSSED DINING AT BENONI’S BEST BRUNCH SPOT
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to pm
Where: The Shed & Silo, 77 Thomas Rd, Norton’s Home Estates, Benoni
Website: theshednsilo.co.za | Email: theshednsilo@gmail.com | Tel: 064 102 3230
Facebook: @shedandsilo | Instagram: @shednsilo
STYLISH SET MENU FOR LUNCH AT CENTRAL ONE
Give mom a taste of Sandton living and book a table at Central One, Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel. Upon arrival, you’ll be served a glass of bubbles before sitting down for a three-course dining event crafted by the chef team. Radisson Blu Sandton is also running a one-night sleepover special at R1400 per couple inclusive of breakfast.
Cost: R435pp. Book via call or email
When: Sunday 8 May, 12pm to 3pm
Where: Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg, Cnr of Rivonia Rd and West St, Sandton, Johannesburg
Website: radissonblu.com | Email: reservations.gautrain@radissonblu.com | Tel: 011 286 1000
Facebook: @RadissonBluGautrainHotel | Instagram: @radisson_blu_gautrain
LAZY SUNDAYS AT JOBURG’S HIDDEN JOINT
One of Joburg’s hidden spots for a cozy breakfast or lunch is Gabriella’s Tea Room in Parktown North. They’re doing all-day breakfast on Mother’s Day with bubbly and specially crafted confections. Or go for tasty lunch with small plates and tasting platters. Vegan options are on offer.
When: Sunday 8 May, 8am to 4pm
Where: Gabriella’s Tea Room, 43 7th Ave, Parktown North, Johannesburg
Website: gabriellastearoom.co.za | Email: bookings@gabriellastearoom.co.za | Tel: 076 386 5578
Facebook: @gabriellastearoom | Instagram: @gabriellastearoom
