Father's Day food ideas: how to treat dad

Father’s Day is on Sunday 21 June this year. It's the perfect excuse to spoil the father figure in your life with great food and even better company. Whether it’s firing up the barbecue, heading out for a picnic or cooking up a special recipe together, it’s all about quality time and cracking food. Plus, discover our pick of thoughtful gift ideas.

With Father’s Day falling in mid-June, we’re crossing our fingers for sunshine and an epic barbecue feast. Read our ultimate barbecue guide for expert tips and flavour-packed hacks, then pop into the Foodhall for everything you need to impress Dad. 

Don't miss our barbecue favourites, like fiery Lamb Merguez Sausages bursting with bold spice, Our Best Ever Beef Burgers enriched with bone marrow for unbeatable succulence, and sticky BBQ Chicken Flatties marinated in a smoky, lip-smacking sauce.

• Collection British Wagyu Beef Burgers: Succulent and richly flavoured, these are made using hand‑selected British Wagyu beef. Grill until beautifully caramelised and serve in brioche buns with mature cheddar, pickles and a spoonful of burger relish.

• Herby Style Chicken Long Dogs: Gently seasoned with parsley, chives and basil, these are a fresh take on a classic. Grill and serve in soft rolls with shredded lettuce, crispy onions and a drizzle of your favourite sauce.

• Mini Smashed Burgers: Made with 100% British beef, these cook quickly to a crisp, golden edge with a juicy centre. Stack into mini sliders with cheese and burger sauce for easy sharing.

• Lamb Shish Kebabs: Expertly spiced with garlic, coriander and cumin, these kebabs are perfect for the barbecue. Serve with warm flatbreads, a spoon of yoghurt, and a simple tomato and herb salad.

Looking for something delicious to cook this Father’s Day? Here are four crowd‑pleasing recipes to try, perfect for relaxed entertaining and big, flavour‑packed moments:

• Beer and bacon mac and cheese: Rich, smoky and indulgent, this grown‑up mac and cheese combines crispy British smoked bacon with a velvety four‑cheese sauce, enriched with mascarpone and a splash of Helles lager. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s the ultimate Father’s Day treat or barbecue side.

• Steak with smashed potato and corn salad: Made for summer feasting, this dish pairs juicy sirloin with crispy smashed potatoes, sweetcorn and creamy avocado, tossed in a fresh green goddess dressing. Finished with smoky cowboy butter, it’s ideal for Father’s Day or laid‑back barbecues.

• Bacon, egg and cheese frittata bagels: Crispy bacon lardons, softly set eggs and melted cheese come together in generous frittata‑filled bagels. Perfect for a laid‑back Father’s Day brunch or picnic lunch.

• No‑churn brown butter and pecan ice cream: Nutty brown butter, toasted pecans and maple syrup create a rich, indulgent ice cream with no machine needed. A simple, satisfying pudding to round off the day.

Whether he prefers a classic pour or something a little different, these expertly crafted bottles are perfect for marking the occasion in style.

• Collection Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky: A standout gift for whisky lovers, distilled and matured by Kilchoman and exclusively bottled for M&S. Rich fruit and butterscotch that balance with citrus sweetness and peat smoke character for which Kilchoman is famous. With no added colour or chill filtering.

• Collection Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky: Crafted by Glenfarclas, who are renowned for its traditional full-bodied and well-sherried style. It offers an enticing combination of maramalade, malted barley and dried fruits, with notes of honey, toffee and delicate spice.

• Maison Fondee 1763 Fine Champagne Cognac: A refined choice, with elegant notes of oak, vanilla and toasted almond. Perfect for those who enjoy a classic after-dinner drink.

• Collection Bajan Estate XO Rum: An indulgent pick, distilled in Barbados and aged in France, with rich notes of coconut, honey and caramel for a smooth, tropical finish.

• Jersey Royal Potato Vodka: Created exclusively by Royal Mash using only oversized Jersey Royal potatoes from the summer harvest. It is distilled in copper pot stills to ensure its exceptionally smooth, with light notes of citrus.

• Collection Small Batch Old Tom Gin: Warner's Distillery produce small-batch artisan gin at their family-owned farm in Harrington, Northamptonshire. They have used 11 botanticals to create a bold, warm and smooth gin, with a hint of citrus zest – ideal for his favourite G&T.

From bold craft beers to refreshing low and no-options, discover drinks made for easy gifting and relaxed celebrating.

• Tropical Pineapple Sour Beer: Brewed in collaboration with Wiper and True, this bright, gently hazy beer balances tangy pineapple with a clean, crisp finish.

• Raspberry Ripple Sour Beer: Made with mixed berry purées and a hint of vanilla, this smooth, velvety sour delivers juicy raspberry flavour with a mouthwatering tang.

• Somerset Traditional Cider: Crafted with Sheppy’s Cider Farm, this smooth cider has a crisp edge and fragrant orchard notes, perfect for classic, easy-going enjoyment.

• 0.5% Low Alcohol British Craft Lager: Brewed with British hops and malts, this full-flavoured low alcohol lager offers a refreshing, crisp finish without compromising on taste.

• 0.5% Low Alcohol Peachy Pale Ale: Created with Renegade Brewery, this light, hoppy pale ale blends citrusy notes with a subtle peach sweetness for a balanced, easy-drinking option.

Our foodie Father's Day gifts are guaranteed to gain you favourite child status – discover the full range in store now.

• Mini Colin the Caterpillar Cakes: Everyone’s favourite, reimagined in perfectly portioned mini cakes, filled with rich chocolate buttercream and coated in smooth milk chocolate. For Father’s Day, they’re topped with football hats and green sprinkles.

• The Big Daddy Popcorn: A moreish mix of salted caramel toffee popcorn coated in milk chocolate, finished with roasted peanuts, dark chocolate and crunchy butterscotch pieces for a rich, sweet and salty snack.

• The Big Daddy Pistachio Bites: Smooth pistachio crème with gooey caramel and roasted pistachio pieces, all wrapped in creamy milk chocolate. Small but indulgent, and perfect for gifting or sharing.