Unwind with your mother in the calming, nourishing haven that is The Balcon, Rosewood Lounge and So SPA at Sofitel London St. James this Mothering Sunday (6th March)…
At The Balcon grand brasserie, restaurant chef, Matthew Greenwood has created a graceful, sapid, violet-scented Croq’ Violette (£6) to culminate a meal of reinvented French dishes, taken in view of the sweeping Champagne balcony. These may include starter of yuzu-cured salmon with edamame purée, wakame salad and tobiko (£10), then main course of confit rabbit and foie gras pithivier, with black-eyed peas, buttered Savoy cabbage and mulled jus (£21). Greenwood defines his approach: ‘The last thing I want is for guests to be bored by one-dimensional dishes. I want them to feel that they’ve been appreciated, well fed, taken away from life’s worries, and placed in a bubble of warmth and hospitality.’
Greenwood, whose mother taught him how to cook in Christchurch, New Zealand, appreciates the importance of working to make the day extra special for both you and your mother. ‘My mother owned a catering company, then a restaurant. I started working with her when I was eight, slicing crusts off sandwiches! By the age of 12, I was her kitchen porter during the school holidays.’
Before lunch or dinner, the iconic, five-star hotel are also offering a choice of beautifying treatments for you and your mother within the intricate grandeur that is the spacious, grade II-listed, three floor, So SPA. Referencing its earlier incarnation as the Bank of Nigeria, marble pillars and polished oak stairs soar towards a ceiling of intricate plasterwork.
The One and Only sees a dedicated beauty therapist lavish upon your mother a signature hour-long, ‘Carita’ cleansing and exfoliating facial, which unites extracts of rare plants and diamond to stimulates cell renewal, followed by tailored advice on skincare, and a cool, tall flute of Champagne, sipped in the tranquillity of the spa’s Zen lounge. (£100)
Meanwhile, The Mum and I package offers you and your mother half hour-long facial treatments, then manicures, followed by Champagne in the Zen lounge. (£90pp)
Guests are also welcome to relax in the beautiful, comfy Rose Lounge, adorned by opulent blooms, where a harpist plays daily from 3pm.
