Where do kids eat for free in London and the UK?

Remember the feeling of breaking up for the holidays as a kid? The blissful feeling of walking out of school, knowing you wouldn’t be back for at least a week or two - six if it's summer. There would be so much ahead of you: sleepovers, trudging around museums, maybe a beach holiday and a sandcastle if you’re lucky. Being out and about is all well and good but finding decent, well-priced food for multiple hungry kids isn’t always easy. If you’re looking for places to eat with kids, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up a whole host of reliable restaurants and cafés where kids can eat free, or for the lowly price of £1, whether that’s this half-term or all year round.

There are lots of big UK-wide restaurant chains that offer free meals for children. The beauty of large chains and multisites is that you know what you get, for the most part, and they almost always have children’s menus of easy-going favourites, so even the fussier eaters in your family are catered for.

The tricky bit comes with timings and dates - some chains only offer kids discounts during school holidays, whilst others keep their deals going for longer. There are also some that only offer free kids meals in certain stores or outlets, so make sure to read the details under each deal as we’ve done our best to elaborate on any need-to-know details.

London is a whole different beast, of course, so we’ve created a separate section for London restaurants and groups that offer discounted and free meals for kids. Bear in mind that if you’re looking for free kids meals in London, many of the UK-wide groups also have multiple sites in London, so in truth, you’re especially blessed with options if you’re in the capital.

Where can kids eat for free UK?

These reliable cafes and restaurants all have special deals on, both over the holidays and all year round, where kids can eat for free (usually alongside a paying adult). 

Gordon Ramsay Restaurants

What: Gordon Ramsay Restaurants up and down the country all run an excellent kids eat free deal. One child aged 10 and under gets a free main from the Ramsay Kids menu for every adult who orders two courses from the à la carte menu, including a main. At Heddon Street Kitchen, Pizza East and selected Bread Street Kitchen sites (including Stratford, Limehouse, Southwark and St Paul’s), it runs all day, every day. At others, including Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in Mayfair and Bread Street Kitchen City and Battersea, it’s weekdays only. It isn’t available on key dates such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, so check with your chosen restaurant before you book.
Book now: Heddon Street Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, Pizza East, and more

Bill’s Restaurants

What: What started as a beloved Lewes hangout is now arguably the nation's most trusted family dining group - Bill’s has become a nationwide powerhouse thanks to an easy-going menu of all-day delights. When one adult orders any main dish, up to two kids can eat for free from the children’s menu. The deal is valid Monday to Friday at any time of day, and includes dishes like buttermilk pancakes, fish fingers and chips, and mac & cheese.
Book now: Bill's Birmingham, Bill's Bath, Bill's Cardiff, Bill's Leeds, Bill's Nottingham, Bill's Milton Keynes, Bill's Reading and more

Comptoir Libanais

What: Nationwide purveyors of ever-reliable Lebanese dishes, we love Comptoir Libanais for the eclectic, colourful interiors and hearty all-day menus. The group regularly runs kids eat free deals across school holidays, offering a free main from the kids menu whenever an accompanying adult spends £13 or more. It’s only available at the following sites, though: Comptoir Libanais Gloucester Road, Manchester, Oxford, Kingston, Exeter, Ealing, Reading, Bath, Birmingham, Cheshire Oaks, and Southbank, so check before you book.
Book now: Comptoir Libanais Oxford, Comptoir Libanais Kingston, Comptoir Libanais Bath, Comptoir Libanais Exeter and more

Cote Brasserie

What: Cote tends to run kids eat free offers in the school holidays, which is handy given that the reliable group still has 70 brasseries across the UK. The kids menu has a great range of child-friendly dishes, from omelettes to tomato pasta, haddock goujons, and a burger, and kids aged 12 and under can tuck into two courses for free when an adult orders a main dish. The deal also works on the breakfast menu.
Book now: Cote Brasserie Covent Garden, Cote Brasserie Richmond, and more

Franco Manca

What: Pizza is always a reliable option for little ones, and who does it better than Franco Manca? At selected pizzerias, children aged 12 and under can get a free individual kids’ pizza for every full-priced adult main meal. Kids can tuck into classic Margheritas, with more adventurous options such as cured ham or chorizo also on offer. The deal is only valid Monday to Thursday and isn’t available at every branch, so double-check with the venue before visiting.
Book now: Franco Manca Bermondsey, Franco Manca Cambridge, Franco Manca Manchester and more

Bella Italia

What: Good news! Kids eat free at Bella Italia with the purchase of an adult main. Children aged two to 11 get three courses and a drink, Sunday to Thursday all year round. Choose from cheesy garlic bread, crunchy chicken fillets, vegan nuggets and other tasty plates. Bear in mind that the deal isn't available at all Bella Italia's nationwide so check the website before you go.
Book now: Bella Italia Chester, Bella Italia Brighton, Bella Italia Newcastle, Bella Italia Blackpool, Bella Italia Lancaster and more

Banana Tree

What: This relaxed restaurant chain serves Pan-Asian street food at 20 locations across the UK. Better still, kids can eat free every Sunday with an adult main, with dishes like chicken katsu curry, sweetcorn fritters and coconut ice cream up for grabs. Check the website for extra holiday deals.
Book now: Banana Tree Chelmsford, Banana Tree Milton Keynes, Banana Tree Angel, Banana Tree Clapham Junction and more

Preto

What: Brazilian restaurant Preto boasts five sites across London and Colchester and offers 'children eat free' vouchers that you can download and present to the restaurant when you dine. The offer is available for kids up to 10 years old and is valid every weekday from 4pm, and all day on weekends. Little ones are bound to love choosing their favourite dishes from the salad bar, while favourites like cheesy bread, fried banana, chicken croquettes and delicious desserts are all ultra kid-friendly.
Book now: Preto Soho, Preto Colchester, Preto Queensway and more

The Real Greek

What: The Real Greek has sites in lots of major cities around the country, offering fresh, authentic Greek cooking at pretty reasonable prices. It offers a kids eat free deal on Sundays in all branches, with a free kids meal for every adult that spends over £15 - that includes a scoop of sorbet for dessert and a drink too.
Book now: The Real Greek Covent Garden, The Real Greek Southampton and more

Yo! Sushi

What: Yo! Sushi runs a kids eat free deal during school holidays, including half-term. Children aged 12 and under get a free kids’ meal with a full-paying adult who spends at least £10, Monday to Friday, all day. Choose from chicken katsu, chicken teriyaki, prawn katsu or pumpkin katsu, served with crunchy edamame, maki, veggie rice and a drink. Availability can vary by site, so check with your local restaurant before you book.
Book now: Yo! Sushi Manchester, Yo! Sushi Liverpool, Yo! Sushi Birmingham, Yo! Sushi Bristol, Yo! Sushi Cheltenham and more

Yard & Coop

What: This beloved Manchester spot has been a long time favourite amongst families, thanks to its relaxed environment and child-friendly menus. During school holidays, kids get a main, dessert and cordial drink for free, with every adult meal ordered. Think chicken bites, or chicken mayo burgers with chips, mac and cheese or salad. The deal excludes Saturdays.
Book now: Yard & Coop Manchester

Morrisons

What: Every Morrisons café has this kids eat free deal, and it’s especially good because it covers kids up to 16 years old (most others stop at around 10). You get a free meal from the kids’ menu for every adult meal you buy (you must spend £5 or more). The offer runs all day, every day. Choose from The Breakfasts or The Classics.

Purezza

What: Pizzas are always a good shout if you’re looking for easy, delicious kids food - what kid doesn’t love pizza? Purezza’s deal is a good’un too - for every adult pizza, you get a free kids pizza. Simple. And it's only £5 for every additional child's pizza. This offer applies to children under 10 years old.
Book now: Purezza Brighton, Purezza Camden and Purezza Manchester

Tesco

What: Tesco's kids eat free deal usually runs throughout all the school holidays and half-terms, so if you have to take your little ones on the big shop, you can at least nab a free meal in the cafe! The offer applies when an adult makes any purchase in The Cafe for dine-in only, and includes both breakfast and lunch meals. Think little crumpets, chicken goujons and tomato pasta shells. 

Where can kids eat for £1 UK?

Some restaurants have similar deals but have you pay a nominal £1 for your kids' meals, rather than handing them out for free. As above, this often requires an adult to buy a standard meal as well, in order to qualify for a discounted kids meal.

Hungry Horse

What: Over the school holidays, kids eat for £1 at Hungry Horse pubs all over the country. The kids menu includes family favourites like sausage and mash, chicken nuggets, beef burgers and tomato pasta, as well as plant-based options. We'd recommend checking your local restaurant for the exact available dates.

Asda

What: Asda’s deal is simple - kids can eat for just £1, all day every day, with no adult spend required. They can choose a hot meal or a cold pick-and-mix selection, plus a free piece of fruit. It’s available at all Asda cafés nationwide (note, that's not all Asda stores, just those with a cafe attached). Babies under 18 months get a free pouch of Ella's Kitchen baby food with any purchase too.

IKEA

What: IKEA is offering 95p kids’ meals at many branches. For that you get a plate of pasta with tomato sauce, a soft drink and a piece of fruit, available every day from 11am. Adults don’t need to buy anything to redeem it either, so once you’re done shopping you can go straight to the restaurant and grab cheap meals for your little ones. Alternatively, you can purchase plenty more affordable kids meals from just £1.95.

Where can kids eat for free in London?

It can seem nearly impossible to eat out in London on the cheap, especially with families, but these killer kids-eat-free deals make that dream a reality. 

Brindisa Tapas, Battersea and South Kensington

What: A pair of Brindisa sites are keeping little bellies well fed with Spanish food over the holidays. Families dining Monday-Friday, 11am-4:30pm can enjoy Brindisa’s popular tapas and kids will get a complimentary meal, along with a soft drink and a scoop of ice cream. One free kid’s meal is available per paying adult, up to a maximum of two free meals. Note that this deal is only available at these specific Brindisa sites.
Where: Unit 25 Battersea Power Station, 25 Circus Road West, SW11 8NN; 7-9 Exhibition Road, SW7 2HE
Book now: Brindisa Tapas Battersea; Brindisa Tapas South Kensington

Cinnamon Collection, Various London locations

What: Cinnamon Collection is often on hand with great deals for seasonal events, and that includes kids eat free deals during the school holidays. The offer is usually available at both Cinnamon Bazaar and Cinnamon Kitchen restaurants, and includes subtly spiced, child-friendly dishes such as naan and cheesy peas pizza, rice and lentil khichdi with veggies, and pan-fried sea bream with cream coconut sauce. For the upcoming break, the restaurant is offering a free meal for children 12 and under, with an accompanying adult. 
Where: Various London locations
Book now: Cinnamon Bazaar Covent Garden, Cinnamon Kitchen City and more

The Dining Room at Durrants Hotel, Marylebone

What: Dating back to the 18th century, Durrants Hotel has long welcomed families, boasting a rather elegant backdrop for your next meal out with the kids. Every Sunday little ones, aged four to ten, can eat for free, when dining with a paying adult. Kids can enjoy fish finger butties with mushy peas, sausage with mashed potatoes and gravy, or omelette with french fries, followed by ice cream, fresh fruit salad or cake of the day.
Where: 26-32 George Street, W1H 5BJ
Book now: The Dining Room at Durrants Hotel

Kricket, Various London locations

What: Kricket is often packed with families wanting to enjoy the taste of India, but did you know that during the school holidays they offer free meals for kids under ten? With a delicious choice between butter paneer or butter chicken, served with rice, cheese naan and broccoli, the kids can get stuck into some properly satisfying Indian grub, and for dessert, they can gorge themselves on a traditional mango and lime kulfi, which should satisfy the demand for ice cream. 
Where: Various London locations
Book now: Kricket Shoreditch, Kricket Brixton, Kricket Soho, Kricket Canary Wharf 

Padella, Shoreditch

What: You can't go wrong with a plate of pasta for kids and adults alike! Padella often runs kids eat free deals during the holidays, when they can tuck into dishes like tagliarini with slow-cooked tomato sauce, and a smaller portion of its famous eight-hour beef shin ragu. Keep an eye on Padella's Instagram, or get in touch with the restaurant to confirm before you book.
Where: 1 Phipp Street, EC2A 4PS
Book now: Padella Shoreditch

INKO NITO, Soho

What: Nestled in the heart of Carnaby, INKO NITO is a relaxed Japanese restaurant that centres around an open robata grill, specialising in dishes like spiced lamb rump and miso black cod. Little diners (kids under the age of seven) are welcome to eat here for free all year round, whether it's a lunchtime nibble or an evening meal. 
Where: 55 Broadwick Street, W1F 9QS
Book now: INKO NITO

Ace Pizza at Pembury Tavern, Hackney

What: Every Sunday, kids eat free at Pembury Tavern, courtesy of Ace Pizza. The popular pizza residency offers kids a free pizzetta (and a free ice cream scoop) for every 12-inch pizza ordered. What's more, the pub also has The Kids Table - a team of DBS-checked adults who are on hand to entertain the little ones with crafts, games and creative activities, so that you can catch up with your pals in peace. 
Where: 90 Amhurst Road, E8 1JH
Book now: Ace Pizza at Pembury Tavern

Barbican Kitchen, Barbican

What: The Barbican Centre is home to an array of dining destinations, but Barbican Kitchen is its most casual offering and a great option for families. Plus, children under 10 years old receive a free meal from the kids' menu with every adult meal over £10. A useful hack if you're doing some sightseeing in this part of town.  
Where: Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Book now: Barbican Kitchen

If you want to browse some more options, we’ve picked out a handy list of the best child-friendly restaurants in London, where your little connoisseurs couldn’t possibly turn their noses up at the menu!

And for more family-friendly fun, check out these children's afternoon teas across London and the UK, plus our guide to the UK's most exciting Harry Potter afternoon teas, for kids who can't get enough wizarding.