Contrary to what the scaremongers would have you to believe, having kids doesn’t mean the end of eating out – just that it’s time to explore a different type of restaurant and, crucially, be sure to book ahead. Thankfully, when it comes to family feasts, London is an accommodating city, with arrangements made to make sure a good time is had across the generational spectrum. Here are five such spots, as hand-picked by Quandoo.
Spot something that takes your fancy? All the restaurants listed below are bookable through Quandoo – simply click the booking button and get that res in your dinner diary.
Yes, even weekend brunch can continue with the arrival of little ones, and with minimal fuss if you head to this cheery and accommodating Californian restaurant in Ealing. The kids’ menu features fancy takes on their favourites, while grown-ups can pick from eggies, salads, tacos and more.
Don’t miss: The gloriously fattening Oreo milkshake, which you can avoid having to share with kids by adding a shot of bourbon.
Nippers take top priority at this family-friendly spot by the river, where there are dedicated menus for littler appetites from breakfast through to dinner. That’s not to say adults are an afterthought: the sprawling main menu offers decent takes on a diverse range of world cuisines.
Don’t miss: If the kids veer away from veg, a taste of your zingy ‘penang bang’ salad bowl could be the eye-opener that sees them right.
Belgian cuisine is a great fit for kids for two reasons. 1) It involves chips. 2) As soon as you show them how to use a mussel shell as a pincer to eat more mussels with, they’ll be totally engrossed. Which of course leaves you free to browse the dizzying selection of Belgian beers.
Don’t miss: The aforementioned beer list, which includes a number of lusted-after Belgian bottles rarely seen in UK pubs.
This grand Clapham pub is more kid-friendly than nearby alternatives, with high chairs, changing facilities, colouring-in books and a dedicated children’s menu. If yours have moved on from nuggets and tomato pasta, they’ll even do little-person portions of anything from the main menu. Aww.
Don’t miss: The Sunday roasts always draw a crowd – testament to both the quality of the cooking and the pub’s ability to deal with larger groups.
This simple, old-school Italian is run by a family, and makes a good option for yours, should you and the clan find yourselves in Soho with a hunger on. The menu is gigantic, but it’s the well-priced pizzas that are the big draw here – order a few with some sides and they’ll wonder what they ever saw in Pizza Hut.
Don’t miss: The rucoletta pizza comes topped with a shaving of fresh parmesan – great news if you’re raising a family of cheese fiends.
