This Father’s Day is one like no other. Given the length of the lockdown, celebrating a special occasion has become more important than ever, and a lovely way to break the monotony. With restrictions easing, it’s possible to gather a small group of family and friends and celebrate wonderful dads and all they do.

We also want to shop for food and wine and gifts in a safe and spacious environment. That’s why we love Frascati, with its high ceilings and fresh air, and roomy shops where you can shop calmly and quickly. There is so much choice under one, well-organised roof, late-night shopping this Thursday and Friday, and free parking for two hours. Special offers and promotions from health and grooming brands are plentiful: pick up grooming and fragrance gifts and vouchers at Sugar Daddy, Peter Mark, The Health Store and Boots (up to half price). Vodafone and Murray Mobile have your tech pressies covered and a voucher for Crystal Clean Car Valet will save Dad a chore and make his car feel lovely and luxe again. (Did we mention that Kay’s Kitchen have a cool coffee station on the ground floor where you can fuel up for your shopping session?)

The weather forecast is good for Sunday! Why not embrace the summer sunshine and serve up a delicious BBQ to celebrate? Turn the tables: let Dad sit down with a drink and get everyone else on board to help grill and serve. Shop smartly to make it easy …

M&S has a great 3 for €12 grill deal: serve up delicious Waygu Burgers, Full-on Flavour Beef Burgers and Lamb Burgers that caramelise as they cook, Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Sauce and tasty Posh Dogs. M&S also has the perfect selection of tasty desserts, including the Big Daddy Peanut Bar, and Salted Caramel Topped Cheesecake. Top it off with a perfectly cool pale ale or delicious beer.

At Aldi, the Oil Drum Charcoal Barbecue (€79.99 ?is perfect for grilling your favourite food. And the steak and wine combination never disappoints. Specially Selected Tipperary Dry Aged Irish Black Angus Rib Eye – 36 Day Matured was awarded the Crystal Award in 2019 and three-star accreditation again for 2020. Aldi’s ward-winning craft beers include Roadworks Pale Ale or IPA, Brown Bear Double IPA, IPA and Indian Pale Lager. Aldi’s wine expert Tom Doorley has chosen his favourite steak-and-wine pairings, starting from just €6.99. Those in the know follow his recommendations – try these: Buenas Vides Argentinian Bonarda, The Wrangler Californian Pinot Noir, Exquisite Collection Organic Malbec (Silver at the 2019 Decanter World Wine Awards), The Wrangler Californian Zinfandel and Specially Selected Spanish Ribera del Duero. Smooth whiskeys include Ardfallen Blended Irish Whiskey, Gold Award winner at the World Spirit Awards 2020. It’s delicate, with aromas of fresh nuts and a hint of apple.

At Bookstation, you can find the perfect book for Dad to read while lazing in a deckchair in the sun. For fans of crime fiction and thrillers, we have the latest releases from bestselling authors Michael Connelly and David Baldacci. The Arms Crisis of 1970 rocked the Irish political landscape 50 years ago: this book by Michael Heney will suit any history buff. Michael Bamberger’s new book, The Second Coming of Tiger Woods will help keep the golf fan occupied until the Majors return. This book which follows the story of Woods’ comeback and the people who helped make it happen is getting excellent reviews.

Fragrance, food, wine, a great book … we like the sound of how Father’s Day is shaping up this year.

www.frascaticentre.ie