Guide to celebrating Father's Day in London

Some dads have been sticking to a fry-up for breakfast for ages, others like to have it as a little treat. Whatever the case, a proper cooked breakfast will make sure Father's Day is off to a good start. Our guide to the best Full English breakfasts in London covers everything from down-to-earth greasy spoons to refined dining establishments.

Another good option that's a classic for a reason, a nice brunch makes for a great Father's Day choice thanks to the range of hearty yet nutritious dishes and plenty of time for nice chat. The Megan's restaurants all over London consistently rank among the best brunch spots in the city, with tasty food, refreshing drinks, and pleasant settings. You can even bring the family dog along.

Bocconcino is a Mayfair dining establishment that treats Italian food with the prestige it deserves, whether it's a plate of homemade pasta or a wood-fired pizza. You can treat your father to authentic, seasonal dishes from the different regions of Italy, accompanied by a new cocktail menu and an extensive selection of fine wines. Alternatively, you can pick up a voucher as a nice gift that can be redeemed for anything from laidback lunches to celebratory dinners.

Manzi's in Soho pays homage to the legacy of a beloved London fish establishment. The menu highlights the freshest catches of the day, shellfish, and specialities like monkfish Wellington and lobster thermidor. The restaurant also boasts a terrace and an exclusive private dining area, as well as a couple of specials to mark Father's Day: salmon coulibiac with sauce gribiche. Their ever-popular Driftwood cocktail is also being stirred up at a special price for one day only.

If you or your dad are avoiding alcohol for whatever reason, consider paying a visit to one of the Coco restaurants. They champion a sober lifestyle, offering a range of non-alcohol alternatives such as mocktails and alcohol-free wine to go with their otherwise indulgent food – rib-eye steaks, burgers, lamb shanks and more, all served in a refined, sophisticated setting.

If the weather is on your side this Father's Day, enjoy a stroll around one of London's lush parks. The city has plenty of walks, ranging from ones that transport you to countryside-like settings to those immersing you in the lively urban landscape. Stop along the way for a coffee or a beer, and enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Plus, this one won't cost you a penny.

Bacchanalia, one of the most eye-catching openings of the past year, offers an immersive experience dedicated to the god of feasting and debauchery. The breathtaking interior is a finely detailed retelling of classic myths through antique sculptures and Damien Hirst pieces, enhancing the decadent vibes of the menu. They offer different dining options for Father's Day, from intimate meals in the exquisite private dining room to basking in the sunshine on the outdoor terrace, with gift vouchers available as well.

You might want to host a family barbecue for your dad, but don't have the space and would prefer something a bit more intimate than your local park. Skuna Boats might be what you're looking for. Their unique BBQ boats are equipped with a barbecue so you can grill to your heart's content as you sail down the Thames. You can bring your own food and drinks, or choose one of the available packages.

It might not be the most cutting-edge, innovative option around, but there's something intrinsically comforting and familial about a Sunday roast that's hard to beat. This is especially true if your dad isn't the most adventurous of foodies. With Father's Day always falling on the third Sunday of June, there's no shortage of options to choose from for a nice roast dinner, and you'll fine the best of them in our guide to the best Sunday roasts in London.

If your dad is a bit of a gourmand or, better yet, likes to take care of things in the kitchen himself, booking a chef's table experience guarantees a Father's Day to remember. Bagging a seat at one of the tables in our guide will add theatricality to the special meal, as well as offer insight into the inner workings of a restaurant kitchen or a chef's mind.

Times are hard, costs are rising, and many aren't able to afford a decent meal for themselves, much less splurge on dinner for two at one of London's pricey eateries. Thankfully, there's a number of budget-friendly options you can turn to if cooking yourself isn't ideal. Our guide to the best budget-friendly restaurants in London will let you treat your dad to a nice meal without him having to pull out his wallet at the end, and remember – he's not there for the food, he's there for you.

Classic rock dads are sure to appreciate a visit to the newly renovated and reopened Battersea Power Station, as the majestic building is featured on the album cover of the classic Pink Floyd record “Animals”. Having been converted into a modern leisure destination, there are plenty of restaurants for a nice Father's Day meal here as well. You can also go to the top of one of the chimneys with the Lift 109 glass elevator for stunning views of the area. Afterwards, pick up an on-theme gift in the gift shop, and you're all set.

London's West End is home to some of the most stunning musical productions in the world, and treating your dad to one of them can make for a fun night out on the town. There are plenty of options to choose from in our guide to the best musicals in London, though if we'd have to choose for Father's Day, we'd suggest “Hamilton” as a modern-day classic, “The Phantom of the Opera” as a perennial favourite, “Back to the Future” for a light-hearted, nostalgic romp, of “The Book of Mormon” for pointed humour. You might want to avoid “The Lion King” on this occasion, though.

Lightroom is an innovative immersive art gallery occupying a vast four-storey spade, equipped with state-of-the-art digital projection and audio technology. The breath-taking new venue serves as a captivating platform for extraordinary artist-led exhibitions, employing technology to enhance viewers' connection with the art. The current show is by acclaimed British painter David Hockney.

Regardless of whether your father is an expert home cook or has trouble finding milk in the fridge, you can help him hone his skills at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School, and sharpen your own in the process as well. There's a range of hands-on cooking classes on offer, covering cuisine from all over the world, including curries, pasta, and Mexican street food.

For dads whose pride and joy is their cabinet of fine spirits – second only to their progeny, of course – a whiskey tasting session at one of the city's finest establishments is in order. In addition to the priceless knowledge imparted to the participants, most such experiences include the chance to sample a rare, pricey tipple. If your dad is more of a wine expert, we have a guide for wine tastings as well.

It obviously depends on your dad's age and spryness, but if he's an active fellow with a taste for adrenaline and a good head for heights, ascending to the top of the O2 arena's roof is sure to make a lasting impression. Whether you opt for a daytime, sunset, or twilight climb, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of Greenwich, the Olympic Park, Canary Wharf, and more, as well as a sense of courageous accomplishment.

If your childhood was soundtracked by scratchy John Coltrane, Miles Davis, or Louis Armstrong records, it's time to repay the favour with a jazzy outing that'll have your dad feeling like the coolest cat in town. Check the programme at the venues listed in our guide to the best jazz clubs in London and start boppin'.

A round on the links might be just what your dad is hoping for on an easy-going Sunday. There are various golf courses within easy reach of the city, but in case the weather isn't cooperating or you'd prefer a shorter session somewhere closer to home, indoor golf clubs offer a suitable alternative. Find the best of both in our guides to playing golf in London.

Spa days aren't just for mums, as any weary father with aching joints will gladly inform you. Having your dad go for a nice steam to ease any pains, maybe paddle around the pool a bit, and have a professional massage therapist work out any kinks, and your dear old dad will be feeling ten years younger by the end of the day. Here are some of the best day spas in London.

You know what? Your loving dad deserves better than a crowded urban jungle. Pack a picnic, grab your swimsuits, and head to the beach – especially if there are grandkids to take care of as well. Our guide to the best beaches near London covers the top spots in South East England, including classic Brighton, dystopian Dungeness, and historic Hastings.

Your dad might not be from London and might not get what all the fuss is about. In that case, some classic sightseeing might help get the point across – the point being, of course, that London is awesome and you're not just partying your life away in a cloud of alcoholic vapour and endless nights. Ahem. Take him on a nice tour of the spiffy landmarks, have a good meal, and send him off back home safe in the knowledge you'll be just fine in the Big Smoke after all.

Dads with a treasured vinyl record player will always appreciate a new addition to their collection, whether it's a hard-to-find first pressing, a classic album that's somehow still missing from their shelves, or a brand-new release by an artist you think they might like as much as you do. Hit up these record shops to dig through the crates and find the right one.

Same as with vinyl, there's never enough good literature for a bookworm to devour – especially if the parental bookworm in question hasn't made the jump to e-readers. The bookshops in our guide stock everything from freshly released bestsellers to classic tales, educational tomes, and even rare collectors' items. 

Is cheese for your dad the equivalent of chocolates for your mum? Yes, it absolutely is. Select a nice artisanal cheddar from a traditional cheesemonger, wrap it up nice, and watch your father's eyes light up as he realises he can lay waste to an entire wheel by himself and no one can say anything about it. Best of all, if you've (alright, if WE'VE) misjudged things horribly, you at least get to eat the cheese yourself.

Indulge your dad's sweet tooth with a box of biscuits from Biscuiteers, London's premier biscuit artisans. All of their biscuits are a feast for the eyes, carefully sculpted into different themes. Their Father's Day selection includes a tool kit tin, a BBQ tin, classic British cars, cricket gear, and even a proper Full English – all in delightful biscuit form.

A tour of one of the most famous stadiums in the world is an exciting excursion for any sports- or music-loving dad. Unfortunately, you can't book a day on Father's Day itself, so this one is relegated to the gift voucher section. There are many other stadiums in London that also offer tours, but their club allegiances might be an issue – your Gooner dad probably won't appreciate a tour of White Hart Lane, for example, so best to stick with the neutral ground of Wembley if you aren't certain.

Dads who like to putter around the garden and spend afternoons wrist-deep in soil are bound to like some new gardening gear, and the Kew Gardens gift shop is here to answer the call. Their Father's Day gift selection includes everything from essential tools of the trade and advice manuals to grow kits, house products such as gin and soap, and advanced equipment such as bee nesters.

You might not have much of a brief for dad's gift beyond “get him something nice”, so why not hit up one of London's famed department stores? These shopping havens stock all sorts of fine things, from clothes and interior decor to gourmet foods and more. You're sure to find something to your dad's liking at one of the department stores mentioned in our guide.

Gift shops are often a bit of a last resort when you can't come up with something more specific and are strapped for time, but there's no shame in that – that's what they're there for, after all. You might not know what you're looking for until you see it, but you're sure to find something suitable, along with the card, wrapping paper, and any other party supplies you might be missing.