Father’s Day is coming up this weekend, and if you’re struggling for ideas on where to take your old man on the day, then no sweat, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re celebrating your dad, or an important father figure in your life, may your beer be cold, your cakes be sweet, and your jokes be Dad. Here are 17 fantastic ways to celebrate your old man.
1. Head to one of London’s fantastic museums
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that all dads have some kind of weird history-based obsession that they know everything about. So why not treat them to a related museum trip? London is filled to the brim with essential museums, and even if you’ve been to them all, a trip to one with the family is dead-cert hit for Father’s Day. Check out our list of fab and free museums in London.
2. Treat him to a special Tarantino Live experience
The likelihood that your dad’s favourite film is one from Quentin Tarantino’s oeuvre is, let’s face it, pretty high. Whether he’s a Kill Bill fanatic or a Reservoir Dogs devotee, he’s sure to get a kick out of this special rock musical. Over the course of Tarantino Live, five of Taraniton’s most powerful female characters from across his cinematic universe match up against “the Tyranny of Evil Men”. The one-of-a-kind show blends songs and scenes from across all of Tarantino’s films for a truly spectacular experience. Get your tickets here.
3. Or get immersed in the world of Star Wars
Option number two for your dad’s favourite film? It has to be Star Wars, right? So, he’ll definitely appreciate the sheer number of collectables, figurines, props, costumes, and more at The Fan Strikes Back exhibition. Be sure to snap a photo of him recreating scenes from his favourite Star Wars films. Grab your tickets here.
4. Catch a special movie screening – outdoors
With outdoor cinema season kicking into gear throughout June, what better time to treat your papa to a unique cinematic experience? You could take in a movie high above the streets of London, on the grounds of historic buildings, or on the Granary Square steps in King’s Cross (where screenings are free!). Check out our rundown of the best outdoor cinemas in London for summer movie-watching, here.
5. Enjoy some free beers and plenty of bad dad dancing
The UK’s biggest beer hall, Big Penny Social, is cooking up something special for Father’s Day. They’ll be firing up the grills, cranking out the beer, and getting the music pumping for a day of celebration. Guests can enjoy a beer tasting from Unbarred Brewery and live funk and flamenco music that will find dads setting fire to the dancefloor with their moves. Oh, and they’re also giving a FREE pint of Big Penny beer to every Dad that pre-books. Find out more, and pre-book, here.
6. Snap up some other Father’s Day freebies
Sure, these deals are largely a way of enticing you to go somewhere and spend further money, but since you were likely going to do that already, take advantage of the day and see how many of these Father’s Day freebies you can take advantage of.
🥃 Ochre, the British restaurant situated within London’s iconic National Gallery is gifting every Father a complimentary lunchtime cocktail made from Nc’Nean whiskey at lunch. Choose from a Rob Roy, a Blood and Sand, or a classic Old Fashioned.
🍺 With Father’s Day falling on a Sunday, it’s almost inevitable you’re going to have a roast, right? Well, if you head to Smith’s Bar and Grill, you can even net your father figure a free pint of beer to go along with it.
🎳 Take your dad to the lanes, and net one of you a free Yellowstone Bourbon Old Fashioned at All Star Lanes by taking advantage of the 2-4-1 deal. And with the promotion running from Father’s Day through to the end of the month, you can keep the free(ish) drinks coming. Let the good times roll!
🍨 Pizzeria Mozza is handing out complimentary Mozza Sundaes on the 17th (so, Father’s Day Eve?) when a main is purchased at the restaurant.
⛳ The par-fect freebie for a competitive dad – Puttshack is offering free beer to father figures and parents who net themselves a hole-in-one on the day. They’re making you work for your free beer!
🥃 Pivot knows that most dads are classy figures, who sip on classy drinks. That’s why they’re doling out a complimentary Old Fashioned whisky cocktail and whisky truffles to all fathers alongside their main meal.
7. Become a master butcher
Most dads pride themselves on their grill skills, but how many can count butchery among their arsenal of talents? Arm your dad with the know-how at a butchery masterclass with the meat maestros at Osteria Del Macellaio. Their head butcher takes guests behind the scenes to learn all about dry ageing, meat selection, and the process of butchery itself, with an emphasis on how to use the lesser-known parts of the cow. The three-hour course is then followed by a three-course meal where you can taste all the knowledge you’ve gained. Book your father figure (and yourself) a spot on the butchery masterclass here.
8. Dazzle your dad with a candlelight concert
Sure, you could hit up a gig with your dad – but is his back what it used to be? Wouldn’t he rather sit back and relax as live musicians play iconic pieces of music in awe-inspiring candlelit environs? These could take place in Central Hall Westminster, or even at St Mary’s Church. Just keep an eye on him – wouldn’t want him to get too relaxed and start snoring! Here are a few candlelight concerts that he won’t want to miss.
🕯️ Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay at St. Mary’s Church (June 22)
✨ Candlelight: The Best of Zelda (June 23)
🕯️ Candlelight: A Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi (June 23)
✨ Candlelight Orchestra: A Tribute to Joe Hisaishi (June 24)
9. Head out for a special meal
🔥 Kick off a father’s day meal at Babur by raising a toast with a Yorkshire Manhattan, before sinking your teeth into a fiery modern Indian feast. As you chow down on lamb seekh kebabs, chicken tikka, and more, be sure not to miss the star of the show: Babur’s roast shoulder of lamb, marinated with dark rum and chef’s secret spices.
🤤 Head to Ayllu for a Father’s Day meal with a twist. The Japanese Peruvian fusion restaurant serves up a bottomless brunch with bottomless food that ranges from fresh suhi and nigiri to Chicken Teriyaki skewers, Slow-cooked Short Beef Rib, and more.
🍖 Treat your dad to some Greek hospitality, and a feast of epic proportions, at Vori. Here, you can sip on some gorgeous Greek wines as you linger over plates of souvlaki, tzatziki, slow-cooked lamb, and more.
🍔 Burger & Lobster’s latest menu offerings have come just in time for Father’s Day, whether you opt for the Beast Burger (with beef and lobster, truffle and tarragon mayo, brie cheese, and more), the 100% British Wagyu Burger, or the Ultimate Combo meal with A WHOLE Lobster, Lobster Roll and burger, you’re sure to leave stuffed and satisfied. Dads will also get a free drink to sweeten the deal, with each father figure receiving a free can of Scaramanga Extra Pale from the Gun Brewery with their meal this Sunday.
🦪 Nothing says Father’s Day like whisky and oysters, right? Well, that’s what Los Mochis thinks, at least! Just for Father’s Day Los Mochis is offering fathers and father figures a glass of Nikka Days Japanese Whisky alongside six oysters topped with wasabi pearls and spicy ponzu for £15. Ring in the summer with a special sip, and some vibrant shellfish!
🔥 Skylight Peckham is firing up the grill at their rooftop BBQ shack. Take your dad and you can treat him to some delicious Jamaican BBQ (Jerk Chicken, anyone?). Or, for the more wing-inclined, head over to sister venue Skylight Tobacco Dock, where they’re doling out bottomless wings for the ultra-hungry. Just £20 gets each person an hour of never-ending, sauce-laden, wings.
🥂 St Pancras by Searcys, home to Europe’s longest Champagne bar, is offering up a two- or three-course meal (at just £25 or £29) for a special lunch with your Dad. Make sure to push the ‘Press for Champagne’ buzzer when you need a top-up on your drink!
10. Or enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home
Got a dad who fancies himself the king of the grill? Then Cinnamon Club, one of London’s premier Indian fine dining restaurants, has a father’s day kit that will work a dream. Their special Father’s Day Meal Kit comes complete with an Indian fine dining feast for up to four people. It’s the “very best British produce with the signature vibrant spice blends synonymous with The Cinnamon Club”. Act quickly, though, as orders need to be placed by June 9, and will arrive on Father’s Day. Order your own Cinnamon Club Father’s Day Meal Kit here.
11. Fly like a bird
Got a dad who loves adrenaline-fuelled activities and adventure? Then you’ll definitely want to treat him to iFly’s indoor skydiving experience. You (and your dad, obviously) can experience the thrill of flying – without even the need for a parachute. And for Father’s Day, they’re offering as much as a whopping 70% off for bookings. Head to their website to snap up the deal!
12. Challenge your dad to a (virtual) shootout
If your dad is the competitive type, then take him on down to the virtual clay shooting experience bar Clays. There, you can take advantage of the special Father’s Day package to net a bucket of six Camden Hells lagers, and a Whisky Sour cocktail (which should probably go to the dad, hey?), for an additional £30. Make your booking at the website.
13. Find out everything there is to know about pasta and beer
Pasta-vendors Pasta Evangelists have partnered up with Birra Moretti for a series of beer and pasta masterclasses. Sessions kick off with a Birra Moretti tasting that is complemented by a selection of antipasti from the brews home in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Following that, it’s time to get to work in a two-hour pasta-making session guided by an expert pasta chef. And then, of course, it’s time to eat it all! Sessions run all through August too, so even if you can’t take make it on Father’s Day, you can certainly gift him the experience for a later date. Book your places on the masterclass here.
14. Learn how to tame those curls
Has your dad ever struggled with doing your hair? Or does your father figure struggle with their own mop of curly hair? If so, why not nab him a ticket for the Curl Workshop: Father’s Day Edition? Salon owner, and founder of a range of hair products for afro, textured and curly hair, Charlotte Mensah, will arm dads with tips, tricks, and everything in between to care for their young person’s curly, coily and textured hair in an interactive, open, safe and inclusive environment. The Curl Workshop: Father’s Day Edition will take place Sunday, June 11, from 4-7pm at the Hair Lounge in Notting Hill. Tickets are available here.
15. Puff on a (chocolate) cigar
Exclusively for Father’s Day, the opulent Park Chinois is serving up a deliciously naughty sweet treat. ‘The Godfather’ is a dark chocolate cigar “filled with a delicate chocolate mousse and sweet caramel, served with a side of Vanilla ice cream and on dry ice for an extra flourish.” With smoke billowing over the table from the dry ice, you’ll wonder for a second if they’ve actually just given you a cigar mid-smoke! To pair, they’re offering up five different whisky flights that range from the Macallan Oak Experience (priced at £58) all the way up to the super extravagant 100-year Suntory Anniversary flight, which will cost you a whopping £360! Hey, it’s only Father’s Day once (a year…)!
16. Taste your way to whisky knowledge
For the whisky-loving father, there’s surely nothing better than gaining a bit of whisky knowledge. Especially when it also means enjoying a cheeky tipple or two. Take your old man to one of these whiskey tastings and he’ll be giddy with glee (but he’ll tell you it’s the five whiskies he just drank).
🥃 London’s 10° Sky Bar has partnered up with Dalmore Distillery for a Father’s Day whisky masterclass that’s set to make a scotch savant out of all attendees. Guests are greeted with a glass of champagne before tasting their way through five expressions from the distillery, ranging from single malts to complex blends. All the while, stunning panoramic views will do their best to distract you from the experience. Book the Father’s Day whiskey experience here.
🥃 The Umbrella Workshop is the place to take your father figure if he’s inclined to the water of life, but of the Irish persuasion. For all lovers of the shortbread-y, caramelly liquid, the Irish Whiskey Tastings are a must-try. And since they take place on Saturdays, you can spread out your appreciation of your dad across the whole weekend, or buy him a spot at a later tasting – either way he’ll be chuffed!
17. Treat your dad to a London staycation
🎯 Strand Palace has partnered up with gastro gaming darts activity bar Oche, The Strand for a special package for the father figure in your life. Book in for the Father’s Day Package and you’ll get to enjoy “dinner and breakfast at Strand Palace’s Haxells Restaurant & Bar, with an exclusive Gentleman’s Cocktail Flight at either Gin Palace bar or Haxells. Guests can then choose a darts game package including drinks and nibbles at Oche with a special Father’s Day 15% discount for a limited time only across the weekend.” Book your stay here.
🎟️ Kimpton Fitzroy’s ‘Stay Human’ package makes spending quality time with your dad easy. Guests can make use of a Stay Human Concierge. They’ll plan a full day for you, with activities, sightseeing, and bookings all taken care of. All you have to do is enjoy the day! Book in for a dream stay, and day out, here.
So, there you have it: 17 fantastic ways to celebrate your daddy or your zaddy this Father’s Day. Don’t delay, though, lest you forget completely – like last year!