Dining out with little ones in tow is often no mean feat. After all, you never really know what mood they’re going to be in that day, what they’ll decide they like and don’t like, and how hungry they really are. Especially when you’re dining out in a new country or city where the cuisine is a little different to their young palettes, it can sometimes feel like an impossible task.
If you’re heading to London soon, you’ll have no doubt started to do some research about the best places to go and eat and drink out. After all, we have a fantastic culinary scene that delights (and often surprises) our visitors of all ages. From delectable Michelin starred offerings to fun foodie trucks, full Sunday roasts to tempting afternoon tea London, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re after somewhere that is a little more sophisticated than your average family-friendly offering, it can be difficult to know if your little ones will be taken care of when it comes to getting fed. But let us do the hard work for you – we’ve put together a list of our favourite (and a little fancy) options that are both adult and kid-friendly in equal measure.
A good top tip to start any culinary adventure is with a good, hearty breakfast. Our continental breakfast and full English breakfast London is the ideal way to start your day of exploring, as there is something for even the fussiest eaters. And in relaxing yet lavish surroundings, it’s a little slice of calm before the chaos! The best part? It’s included in the price.
Though if you’re in a hurry, we also offer an exclusive breakfast on the go, so get your fill.
Moving on from the hotel’s own child-friendly menu options, here are a few of the restaurants in London with tasty eats for guests of all ages.
Bistro Union, Clapham
This ‘quintessentially British bistro’ prevails on a number of levels. The staff are amicable and respecting; the room looks welcoming yet chic, with stripped wood planks, an engaging dark, white and yellow shading plan and cutlery kept in drawers under the tables; and there’s an exceptionally luring choice of bar snacks to enjoy. There are several homemade products in plain view that establishes the pace for the marginally homemade vibe of the kitchen and will make your little ones feel right at home. Tidbits (available throughout the day) incorporate cheddar and Marmite straws, anchovy toasts, cured sardines, and smoked pig’s cheek with cornichons, which is a great mix of stuff your kids will already love, and other things they may well even give a go. The puds are rooted in British soil: rhubarb fool, for example, or apple pie.
Cubana, Waterloo
Even though it goes into bar-mode come nighttime, this fun and super vibrant Cuban home base close to Waterloo station is ideal for the children in the daytime. A devoted children’s menu offers a main and pudding for £7, alongside a tropical smoothie or naturally crushed juice. The yummy natively constructed sweets will speak to both children and adults alike. In the event that the youngsters need to feel more grown-up, they can even enjoy glasses or pitchers of mocktails. Though don’t worry – there’s no lack of delicious mixed drinks for the grown-ups. And it’s only a short train ride from our fabulous bed and breakfast London in case you overindulge, too!
Masala Zone, Various
This little chain of casual Indian diners is a firm most loved for a modest and happy feast that doesn’t compromise on taste. Offering a mix of exemplary curries, dhals and biryanis, the large choice of dishes is motivated by the road sustenance of India, for example, bhel (a puffed rice plate of mixed greens) or aloo tikki chaat (a spiced potato cake). Or you could go for one of the thalis – a platter including bread, rice and a choice of mains for a great price – for just a little over a tenner. Smaller platters are accessible on the exceptional children’s menu and include well-known top picks, coming in around the £6 mark. They’re more gently spiced than the grown-up thalis. Colouring books and coloured pencils keep its youngest guests content between courses. Though if your little ones’ palettes are a little more sensitive, our amazing restaurants in Lancaster Gate is the ideal place to opt for instead, as we have a wealth of British choices for them to choose from.
Cafe Murano, Various
Is it too much of a sweeping statement to say that all kids love Italian food?! If your little ones do, then Cafe Murano, based in both Covent Garden and St. James is the perfect choice as it serves the family-friendly cuisine in beautiful surroundings. These enchanting restaurants are essentially laid-back renditions of head chef Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred Murano in Mayfair, with progressively moderate pricing. The pasta is first class, and young diners can take a plunge with a choose your-very own styled children’s menu. For just £10 a head, kids can choose their own pasta – crisply made – before deciding on their preferred sauce. There’s straightforward tomato, healthy hotdog ragu, pea and ham or olive oil and parmesan. To wrap up? It’s natively constructed dessert menu will delight the whole family for sure!
Darcie and May Green, Paddington
A child haven for early breakfast or lunch on the water, these two canal boats on the Grand Union Canal basically look like drifting bits of artwork – it’s covered with colourful pop art stencils, and there’s a cursive neon sign out front and astroturf on the roof, so it’s pretty much guaranteed to be something your little ones won’t have experienced before. With proprietors from Down Under, it’s not unexpected that there are tasty flat whites and cuts of banana bread for breakfast, in addition to a daytime menu of reasonably priced Aussie-motivated dishes. Nab a spot on the upper deck if the sun’s shining, and your little ones are sure to fall in love with their surroundings as they tuck into something hearty to help fuel their London adventures.
See? Dining out with kids in tow doesn’t have to be a chore.
