Written by Dalia Dawood PHOTOGRAPHS BY AZMAN

TODAY IS YOUR DAY, DAD! The day for dads is almost upon us. Father’s Day falls on Sunday 17th June this year, so let’s delve into the history of this special day. Plus, we’ve lined up five great ways to celebrate in London with your old man…

The idea of having a day that celebrates dads originated in the USA, where it has been an official event since 1966. How and where it started has been disputed, with different accounts of its origins appearing. One such account is that Washington-born Sonora Dodd – whose dad raised her and her siblings as a single parent after their mother died in childbirth – came up with the idea of honouring fatherhood after hearing a Mother’s Day sermon in 1910. Another account is that Grace Gordon Clayton, from Fairmont, West Virginia, is responsible for the concept of Father’s Day following a mining explosion in a nearby town that killed 362 men.
Whatever the source, this day exists to remind us that dads are special, and there should be a day dedicated to honouring them. It is now a recognised celebration day across the globe.
Dads are often heroes and role models, but their roles have changed dramatically from being the sole breadwinner of the family. A Netmums survey found that fathers are less career-driven and they place greater importance on spending time with their children – even more reason to spoil your dad this Father’s Day with a special celebration!
Here are five fun ways to spend quality dad time in the glorious capital City of London:
1.EXPLORE SOME LUSH GARDENS Your back yard might look nice, but a day trip to some of London’s green areas sounds more like a plan! Book your place on Open Garden Squares Weekend and wander through 138 green spaces in the city which are normally closed off to the public. These include the likes of 10 Downing Street, the South London Gallery and Glengall Wharf Garden, which sits on an old wharf of the Surrey Canal. www.opensquares.org/2018/home/index.php

2.ENJOY A TASTY BARBECUE WITH A VIEW Why faff trying to fire up your dodgy barbecue when you could treat dad to delicious smoked dishes at Jimmy Garcia’s Rooftop BBQ Club where it’s all done for you? Taking place at the Southbank, it runs from May to September this year. Once you’ve devoured six (count ’em) courses of barbecue, you and your pa have those amazing views over The Thames to enjoy. Just remember to wear a loose-fit waistband… www.jimmyspopup.com/the-bbq-club
3.TAKE DAD CLIMBING UP A DOME If your dad’s an adrenaline junkie, take him for a climb all the way up to the top of The O2 in North Greenwich! ‘Up at The O2’ is an exhilarating 90-minute climb over the rooftop of one of London’s most popular entertainment venues. You can even book a ‘Celebration Climb’ for an extra special experience where you can raise a glass with your old man at the top. Cheers! https://tickets.aegeurope.com/ upattheo2/climbs.html

4.TREAT HIM TO A LUXURY SHAVE Old-school barbers Murdock London do barbering the traditional way – and they’re darn good at it, too. You can book dad in for a classic wet shave, or go one better and sign him up for a ‘how to shave’ tutorial. Lasting 90 minutes, dad will enjoy a firsthand wet shave before learning all about the art of grooming from one of Murdock’s expert barbers. What’s more, he’ll get a personal consultation on the best products and methods for the perfect shave at home. You’ll have plenty to do, so have your camera ready to take some before, during and after snaps of dad in the hot seat! www.murdocklondon.com/uk
5.BOOK A GENTLEMAN’S AFTERNOON TEA Who says men can’t enjoy tea and scones? Especially when the menu caters to a more savoury palate. Think sausage rolls, Cumbrian beef sandwiches and lots of whiskey – as well as a long list of teas, of course. Have a unique dining experience that dad won’t forget at The Athenaeum in Mayfair. He’ll leave with a smile on his face and a full belly! www.athenaeumhotel.com/restaurantbar/afternoon-tea/
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