Top 10 child-friendly restaurants in London: where to eat with the kids during half-term

Taking the family out for a meal you'll all enjoy can be a tricky business. Whether you’re after a restaurant that will keep your offspring entertained without sending you up the wall, a hip place that will give you street cred with your teens, or a refuge that will welcome your brood and serve your favourite meal without a raised eyebrow, Square Meal has the answer, with its pick of the best family-friendly restaurants.

All Star Lanes, E1 (pictured, left)

For an all-American experience, try this bowling alley and diner, which offers ribs, burgers, fries and ice-cream sundaes to satisfy your teens, and cocktails and beers to perk up parents. Plus, your afternoon entertainment is sorted. Further branches in Holborn and Bayswater.

Bill's Produce Store, N1 and WC2

This bright-and-breezy greengrocers-cum-deli has an eclectic, all-day menu whose dishes are on display around the shop, so that families can view as they queue. There's something for everyone, from French toast with bananas and strawberries, to spicy butternut squash risotto, plus staff are friendly and the vibe is relaxed. It's all organic, too. 

Bodean's, various locations

Don't forget the wet wipes, as it won't just be the children who have sticky fingers and faces following a visit to one of this four-strong group's sites. Wash down some  American-style barbecue ribs (maybe a half slab of baby-back for the youngster and a full set of spare for you) with a root beer or two.

Bumpkin, W11 & SW7

Located in South Kensington and Notting Hill, these sprawling, rustic-style British restaurants offer commendable kids' menus, as well as a hearty line up of patriotic dishes for the adults.

Charlotte’s Place, W5

Good-value two- or three-course lunch menus at this upscale but unfussy restaurant are perfectly pitched at families, who value the friendly and accommodating staff and elegant surroundings.

Giraffe, various locations

This chain is deservedly a hit with families, boasting good-natured staff, affordable food, and dishes that make new cuisines accessible to children. Its fun, bright decor also screams ‘child-friendly’.

Hache, NW1 & SW10

Smart interiors and accomplished burgers at this two-strong mini-group offer a worthy alternative to either Byron or Gourmet Burger Kitchen.

Mulberry Street, W2 (pictured, right)

This American-style pizzeria (pictured, right), serves giant, tasty pizzas that satisfy big and little tummies alike. Visually, it satisfies both generations, with screens showing cartoons as well as sport, and a huge photo on the back wall of iconic American sights. 

Rainforest Café, W1

A real treat for the kids, but not for the adults. Animatronic animals, jungle-themed decoration and a menu geared to treating children will keep the young ones happy, but be ready to contend with average food and screaming birthday parties.

Sam’s Brasserie, W4

A great all-rounder that’s particularly popular with families for a weekend lunch. The kids’ menu includes pasta with Marmite and Parmesan butter or tomato sauce, while adults can chow down on oysters or a rib-eye steak.

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