Father's Day 2010

Wasn't Mother's Day just last week? No? 2010 seems to be flying by! So it's already dad's turn, and here are a few ideas for restaurants, gifts and a day out - maybe a mix and match of all three?

On the other hand, he could insist on somewhere that shows World Cup football - see here and here for a comprehensive list of ideas, and silently thank us that we help you with your leisure planning. Anyway, here's some Father's Day ideas...

PLACES TO EAT

Zuccotta Restaurant, Cobham

If you haven't visited Zuccotta Restaurant in the Hilton, Cobham yet then you're missing out, frankly. Fantastic food, beautiful decor and a plethora of wines = awesome meal, and this Sunday this fantasic Mediterranean restaurant has it's own special Father's Day Menu that you can see right... here!

A mere £15.95 will get you three courses, 5 to 12 year olds get them for £7.95 and the tiny ones under 5 get to eat for free - and check out that main, that sounds amazing! We think you should book your table imminently, and call 01932 864471 to do just that!

Dad's Eat Free at ha ha Bar & Grill...

Yes, the spoilt old so and so gets to eat for free here as well! TGTG are big fans of Guildford's ha ha Bar & Grill, not least because even if you fancy overlooking the great deals they have on food in there, you save 25% with your fantastic offer card. See the food menu here!

So however you decide to dine at ha ha, you'll eat for cheap - but for now, on Sunday June 20th, there's the small matter of free food for pa! An amazing offer we feel. Wanna book? Click here to do so!

... and at The Stoke, Guildford!

For a shade under 8 shiny pound coins, The Stoke do a rather special carvery - and for this Sunday's lunch, your dear old father gets to eat one for free! Not you though, I'm afraid; you have to pay like a normal person. Dad's, make sure you wear some trousers with a bit of give!

Of course, The newly refurbished Stoke are legendary amongst TGTG-ers for their BOGOF Pizzas - one of the most popular offers we do with that TGTG offer card - so make sure this isn't a one-off visit!

Incidentally, we say get to The Stoke early to ensure you don't miss out on the carvery - that wouldn't be fun, so why not call them on 01483 504296 to make sure of your place? Should you miss out, they'll offer an alternative foodstuff.

The Garden Restaurant, Farnham

You know what The Garden Restaurant posseses that should cause you to seriously consider going there for Father's Day? We can think of two very important things; firstly, 2 courses are just £12.50 on their special Sunday menu (note: lamb as well as beef). Bargain. Secondly, there is a rather large and pretty garden out back, meaning providing the weather is up to it, you can spend the day enjoying food, wine and sunshine (that rhymes)!

Should you not fancy the normally obligatory roast, there's a fantastic array of Mediterranean dishes - not to mention a rather well-stocked bar! Hooray! And, as a little asterix on the side, they have a weekday offer with TGTG!

If you want to book a table, call 01252 710222‎.

Carlo's Trattoria, Newlands Corner

A Beautiful restaurant with beautiful food, in the beautiful surroundings of Newlands Corner, an area of natural... well, beauty. Carlo's Trattoria is truly one of the best loved Italian restaurants in Guildford, and it's authentic as they come, to the extent that supplying you with a menu is impossible due to their penchant for rotation - however, click here to get a sample of what to expect.

So if your papa is a fan of Italian food, this is the place to go, but the ulterior motive is that providing the weather keeps its promise (at the time of going to press, Sunday's going to be sunny) you can walk off all that amazing food with a walk round Newlands Corner - seeing rolling hills and burning off the meal you undoubtedly ate too much of! Double score. If you fancy booking your table, call 01483 224180.

The Jolly Famer, Worplesdon

Picturesque is the word to describe The Jolly Farmer, located mere yards away from Guildford in Worplesdon. With a sizeable and glorious garden, low-beamed interior and backdrop of stunning National Trust land, The Jolly Farmer is a feast for the eyes.

However, perhaps more importantly (especially in the eyes of your dad), there will be a special father's day menu available! So TGTG-ers, call 01483 234658 to sort your table at The Jolly Farmer this Sunday, and now you're suitably convinced of how awesome it'll be, book your table!

DAYS OUT IN SURREY

Dad's Go Free at Guildford Spectrum!

What a nice piece of role reversal - Those deals that involve getting your kid free stuff is swapped this Sunday, with dad getting a free bowl, swim or ice skate for free with any paying child at Guildford Spectrum! Fancy making a day of it? You can do two or even three of these activities as well, and the deal still applies - aren't they good to you, and aren't we good for informing you? (Hint: Yes. Yes we are).

While we're here, it's certainly worth noting that throughout June you can get a £3 bowl, so there's much cut-price fun to be had at this brilliant leisure centre during the course of this month.

So want to know more about the former, one-day only event? Fancy treating your dad to a family day out? Click here to find out more!

Father's Day Survival Skills Weekend - RHS Wisley

Does your old man/spouse who happens to be a father fancy himself to be a cross between Ray Mears and Bear Grylls? Perhaps thinks he belongs more in Papua New Guinea's jungle than sprawled across a sofa in Woking? Put him to the test this Sunday at RHS Wisley! Miniature raft-making, tracking, camouflage, plant hunting, knot tying, den building - a little taster of the desert island escape scenario we've all pondered in our bored moments.

This is all a bit of fun, of course, and fun it will be, and all the while you'll be navigating your way round the beautiful Royal Horticultural Society gardens. Moreover, as part of the Father's Day special event, Wisley are running a birds of prey display on Sunday only. Watch as brilliant birds of prey swoop and soar - displays at 1pm and 3pm. The other stuff mentioned above will be occuring on both Saturday AND Sunday - Click here for all the info.

Father's Day at Claremont Landscape Garden

Another glorious piece of land to feast your eyes on, this time on behalf of the National Trust, and another free entry offer when the kids come with! Wonderful.

So join Claremont Landscape Garden in Esher on Sunday 20th June for Father's day. As well as enjoying a stroll through the beautiful gardens, the tea-rooms will be open for hot lunches and afternoon tea 12 to 2.30pm. Oh, and cake will be served until 5pm - make sure dad wears a forgiving belt.

Want more info? Here's where you want to go!

Ride and Dine at Mercedes-Benz World

Something a little different? You won't beat this in terms of showing your affection to your dear old pa. Mercedes-Benz World in Brooklands, a haven for any petrolhead, is the venue, and this is likely to be an amazing day out. Why? Because Dad will accompany one of their professional drivers in a 6.2 litre V8 Mercedes-Benz AMG (read: fast) around their handling circuits. Amazing.

And after he's stopped shaking and/or bellowing like a lunatic, you can take him to the Gullwing Restaurant for a delicious two course meal and glass of vino from their special Father's Day Menu!

Sound good? You can book a Ride and Dine right up until Sunday 27th June for £40pp - not bad at all we say! For more info, click here!

A COUPLE OF UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS

Father's Day Gifts at Lightbox

TGTG feels the Lightbox explains this better than anyone:

"Pop into our gift shop to get the perfect Father's Day present and card. It's also the ideal excuse to pop in and see our latest range of gorgeous bags, jewellery, stationery and gifts. We also have the ideal father's day gift - if he is an art lover or has a passion for historical London then why not buy him tickets for the exciting Sickert lecture and exhibition?"

So if your dad's more of the cultured type, this is a great place to visit - and may we say, a unique present will always go down well! Click here to see Lightbox's suggestions.

Hogs Back Brewery - Gift Pack

Looking for a gift idea? Don't just buy a 'World's Best Dad' mug - that's rubbish. Instead, if you're old man's a fan of beer (more than likely), why not have a gander at some of the Hogs Back Brewery's produce? One of the best and most successful local ale producers, they do the job properly, and you'll get brownie points for your inventive nature! (Thank you, TGTG...)

What's more if you enter the following code: hbb3450 - then you get a 10% online discount (before 12th July). So it may be a little late, but you'll save! Check out those gift packs - ideal, aren't they?

If you really want to get it done, click here for directions and contact details! And good for you for thinking of such a great idea!

T20 Cricket: Surrey Lions vs Sussex Sharks - Go Half Price!

This will be a great day out! 20-20 cricket is a much more frantic and blistering version of the test game, and with an atmosphere enhanced with a couple of beverages, you'll surely have a fantastic time!

So for the Lions v Sharks game on Sunday 20th, quote the word 'DAD' when buying tickets, either online or by calling 0207 8205700, and get tickets for just £10 - what are you waiting for? The game starts at 2.30pm.

For all the info you may require, click here. Finally, Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there!